If Hiisi^HiSi , . 
 
 iTinimiifflw ilffllWi 
 
 8« mam m i a * ■...>:■■;■■,, SI ' ! - Fra Sffi ss £R9J3 i$ r 
 
 
V 
 
 LIBRARY OF THE 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS 
 
 AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN 
 
 H8564hl 
 cop. 2 
 
 I.H.S. 
 
THE DIARY OKA CIRCUIT 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 
 in 2012 with funding from 
 
 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 
 
 http://archive.org/details/diaryofcircuitriOOhowe 
 
Henry Howe 
 
 (From an old tintype. Very likely the picture 
 
 he mentions having had taken on 
 
 September JO, 1867.) 
 
The DIARY of a 
 CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 Excerpts from the Notes of Henry Hoive, Made While Travel- 
 
 ing in Southern Wisconsin Between the years 1864 and 1868 
 
 as a Missionary of the Disciples of Christ 
 
 Edited by 
 JESSIE HOWE NEBELTHAU 
 
 Illustrated by 
 DOROTHY KURTZMAN PHELPS 
 
 The Voyageur Press Minneapolis 1933 
 
Copyright, 1933, by Fred T. Phelps 
 Printed in the United States 
 
\ J 
 
 
 DEDICATED 
 
 To the Memory of My Father 
 
 John Wycliffe Howe 
 
Introduction 
 
 7\r the death of my father, I came into posses- 
 
 /-\ sion of the diaries of my grandfather, 
 
 ■^ -^ Henry Howe. They were yellow and dim 
 
 with age, but still quite legible and they form a 
 
 record of great human interest. 
 
 Henry Howe, son of James and Catherine, was 
 born April 11, 1811, in Ohio. He later moved, with 
 his parents, to Missouri and finally, to Wisconsin, 
 where, until his death in 1868, he was a traveling 
 missionary. 
 
 He was married, in 1833, to Henrietta Nicker- 
 son who lived but a short time. In 1837, he married 
 Eliza Lieurance, who, also, soon went the way of 
 all flesh. Again, in 1840, he was married, this time 
 to Camelia Ann Davidson, who was my paternal 
 grandmother. Their son, my father, was named 
 John Wycliffe, for the great English reformer. 
 
 Soon after his marriage to Camelia Davidson in 
 1840, he settled in Illinois, near the Wisconsin 
 
viii THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 line. He had a farm of 200 acres and, being a good 
 manager, could have accumulated some money 
 had his duty not called him to leave his farm to 
 the care of his family and be away from home 
 most of the time. 
 
 Prior to 1868, there were no organized churches 
 of his faith (Disciples of Christ, or Campbellites) 
 in Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Henry Howe 
 traveled by horse and buggy from town to town, 
 preaching in town halls, school houses, barns and 
 even clearings in the groves for his services and 
 all of the Christian churches in Wisconsin at the 
 time of his death had been organized by him. He 
 started preaching when eighteen years of age. 
 
 He was away from home much of the time and 
 would ' * lodge " at night wherever the close of day 
 might find him. As he had no salary, save for a 
 short time when he was paid a small amount by 
 the State Missionary Board, he and his family 
 lived almost entirely on donations, as was the 
 custom of the times. 
 
 I presume that there are still living, many to 
 whom the names in these records will be familiar. 
 In an old history of Wisconsin I find many of 
 them. One, in particular, whom my grandfather 
 mentions very often, is Henry Exley. He was also 
 a preacher and came from England. There seems 
 to have been a keen rivalry and a constant differ- 
 ence of opinion between them and on one occasion 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER ix 
 
 Henry Howe recorded "Brother Exley preached 
 today, a very poor effort." A few days later he 
 confided to his diary "I preached at the morning 
 service. Very good interest and attention appar- 
 ent." 
 
 My grandfather had a good education for his 
 day and was possessed of a really remarkable 
 library. There were many volumes of history, 
 both secular and sacred, Greek and Hebrew Lexi- 
 cons and one volume which is still remembered by 
 older members of the family is an old Lindley 
 Murray Grammar. It was as large as the family 
 Bible and while it was considered authority in 
 those days, it would not be so considered today. It 
 was published in 1790. 
 
 He was forever struggling to get more and 
 more of his beloved books, which he would read 
 aloud to my grandmother, who was a student of 
 Bible literature. There are many entries in his 
 diaries which show his love of good reading and 
 his efforts to obtain books and periodicals. On 
 several occasions he says, rather pathetically, "I 
 got hold of a rather recent paper today. ' ' 
 
 Recently, in the spring of the year, I traveled 
 for the first time through the section of south- 
 western Wisconsin where he lived and labored so 
 long and so faithfully. From the windows of the 
 train I saw the beautiful rolling country over 
 which his old gray mare carried him, and, in 
 
x THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 fancy, I could almost see them jogging along over 
 the pleasant road, he perhaps, deep in the thought 
 of what he would say to the "Brethren" at the 
 evening service. 
 
 The rivers and streams were swollen with the 
 early thaws, and the heavy rains, which so often 
 prevented him from traveling, were falling on the 
 ground which he had cultivated with his own 
 hands and where his mortal remains now lie. 
 
 Just across the state line, in Illinois, I saw a 
 weather beaten hotel, sadly in need of paint, and 
 across the front was painted the name, Hotel 
 Noble. I could not help but wonder if it might not 
 have belonged, originally, to one of the numerous 
 Nobles who were Henry Howe's neighbors and 
 friends. 
 
 Among my grandfather's papers I found some 
 notes on a sermon. I wish that I could reproduce 
 these notes in his quaint hand writing, but they 
 were done in pencil and are very dim and scarcely 
 legible. The subject of the sermon is "Christ the 
 Great Teacher." He has written, "Notice man's 
 natural wants, physically, spiritually and intellec- 
 tually. Physically and intellectually he does not 
 need a teacher coming from God, but spiritually 
 he does. He (man) is filled with unsatisfied long- 
 ings and anxieties. His ability to believe testimony 
 or exercise faith is the only means or facility in 
 himself meeting the case. Hence, the need of a 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER xi 
 
 teacher who possesses knowledge of man's origin, 
 wants and destiny. He must not reason or philoso- 
 phize on the subject, but present facts known to 
 himself to enlighten man and give him faith that 
 he may walk by it every day. Now, such a teacher 
 is Christ. He was foretold many hundred years 
 before His birth. Note His wonderful character, 
 His power over nature, His teaching of a reliable 
 and perfect standard of right and truth. He 
 formed a school to educate teachers. He author- 
 ized them and qualified them to be His mouth 
 piece to all mankind. ' ' 
 
 The last five years of the life of Henry Howe, 
 the only ones of which the records remain, were in 
 the Civil War period and the period of reconstruc- 
 tion which followed. An entry on April 15, 1865, 
 contains this news: "Went to town to get my 
 mare shod and received intelligence of the death 
 of the President and Sec. Seward." This news 
 was not entirely correct, as Secretary Seward did 
 not die at that time, although his death was re- 
 ported after an attempt had been made on his life. 
 
 The last entry, in May, 1868, is very brief : ' ' I 
 am very unwell, having strong indications of Lung 
 Fever." He died two weeks later of Pneumonia 
 and it is not surprising as he baptized people in 
 the lakes and rivers at all seasons of the year. 
 
 Henry Howe was only fifty-seven years old at 
 the time of his death, but he had endured hard- 
 
xii THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 ships and privations which make our lives appear 
 easy and comfortable by comparison. John T. 
 Brown, writing of him in a book called i ' Churches 
 of Christ" (John T. Morton Co., Louisville, Ken- 
 tucky, 1904), says: "He traveled on foot and on 
 horseback, through winter's cold and sleet and the 
 heat of the summer, through poverty and hard- 
 ship and died a poor man. Thanks be to God he 
 is only awaiting the general resurrection to take 
 his seat in Heaven at God's right hand. He left his 
 family a wonderful heritage, a noble example of 
 Christian fortitude. ' ' 
 
 I trust that the following excerpts from his 
 diaries will not be too personal to be of general 
 interest. To me they are an eloquent commentary 
 on the times in which he lived. As such, I offer 
 them in the hope that in these days of economic 
 stress the financial transactions in them may in- 
 terest and possibly amuse my readers. It was 
 evidently as hard to get money in those days as it 
 is now. I was immensely amused at my grand- 
 father's account of his efforts in that direction 
 on one particular occasion. He says: "I ascer- 
 tained that I could get $100. of Bro. S. so I hitched 
 my mare and drove to his place. Got nothing but 
 a tirade of abuse. ' ' 
 
 In closing, may I express the hope that you who 
 read the diaries of this pioneer may be impressed 
 as I have been, with the realization that we of 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER xiii 
 
 today in America came from good, hardy stock. 
 We may have, in a measure, outgrown the primi- 
 tive gospel which Henry Howe preached, but we 
 are sadly in need of the faith and courage which 
 the men of his day displayed. 
 
 Jessie Howe Nebelthau. 
 
 Minneapolis, Minnesota 
 
The Diary of a 
 Circuit Rider 
 
The Diary of a 
 Circuit Rider 
 
 1864 
 
 January 1. Preached at Bethel. 
 
 January 8. Settled Westley Fessenden 's busi- 
 ness with E. S. Fessenden. 
 
 January 11. Gave my wife $3. 
 
 January 15. I am to go to Skinner. Preached 
 there at night. 
 
 January 17. Preached at 11 and at seven. 
 
 January 19. Returned from Skinner and found 
 my wife much better. Sylvanus Fessenden was a 
 visitor at my house. Heard from Ellen Sturgess, 
 by post. 
 
 January 22. Just tolerable turn out at Bethel. 
 I preached there at night. 
 
4 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 January 23. Paid to Brother Young $2. Paid to 
 Mary Olney $3. for work up to this date. Preached 
 at night. An English Episcopalian was in the audi- 
 ence. An interested and respectful hearer. 
 
 January 24. I preached at the morning service, 
 the Episcopalian, at night. 
 
 January 25. Eeceived of D. J. Howe, $10. of 
 threshing money. 
 
 January 26. Very raw and cold. My Catarrhal 
 difficulty is very troublesome. 
 
 February 4. Started on the cars for Janesville 
 and Eichland Center to hold meetings. Stayed at 
 Warren over night and lodged with Br. Arnold. 
 
 February 5. Started from Warren. Detained at 
 Freeport until 2. Lodged at old Br. Coryell's, 
 there being no previous appointment for meeting. 
 
 February 6. Preached at Richland Center to 
 small turn out. Text 1 of Acts. 
 
 February 7. Preached at 11. The heavy storm 
 and the fact that there was no heat in the meeting 
 house, prevented meeting. 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 5 
 
 February 8. Made arrangements with some of 
 the Brethren to have Ed's goods hauled. 
 
 Ffbruary 9. Sold some pork for $7.90. Sold an 
 old stove for $12. Paid to Br. Coryell $4. for haul- 
 ing goods to Monroe. Paid $2. for crates and pack- 
 ing boxes. 
 
 February 14. Preached at night and James 
 Parks and wife and Mary Parks confessed their 
 faith. 
 
 February 16. Compelled to close the meeting on 
 account of the cold. 
 
 February 17. Spent some time at Brother John 
 Ely's. 
 
 February 18. At home all day reading and re- 
 flecting. 
 
 March 1. Received by the hand of Peter Noble, 
 $8. for the church. 
 
 March 3. Accommodated D. J. Howe to the 
 amount of $3. Saw H. Olney in town and he identi- 
 fied the lost prayer book, so I gave it to him. My 
 brother James came on a visit and rode to town 
 with me. 
 
6 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 March 13. At home. Could not get to the meet- 
 ing house on account of impassable roads. 
 
 March 20. Morning subject (5 th of Romans). 
 "Justification." Evening subject (2 nd of Ephe- 
 sians) "Salvation." 
 
 March 21. Went to see my mother. Preached at 
 night and lodged at Brother Perham's. 
 
 March 22. Left Br. Perham's and started to 
 Wiota. 
 
 March 23. Started for home but did not get to 
 go. Was asked to preach at night. Lodged at Br. 
 Griswold's. 
 
 March 25. Received of Br. Lemont, $2. to spend 
 as he directs. 
 
 March 26. Visited Sister Burrett in forenoon 
 and Br. Gilmore 's f amily in the afternoon. Lodged 
 there. 
 
 March 28. Received $5., donation from Geo. 
 Schellinger. Arrived home and found all well. 
 
 March 29. Went to James Noble's to ascertain 
 if he would go to Wiota. 
 
THE DIARY OP A CIRCUIT RIDER 7 
 
 April 6. Received of John Beardsley, 30 bu. of 
 wheat. 
 
 April 8. I start for Skinner. Visited and lodged 
 with Dr. Monroe. 
 
 April 9. Received of Wm. Monroe $2. Preached 
 at the Parker School House. 
 
 April 12. Borrowed of James Noble, $40. for 
 two weeks. 
 
 April 15. I am to go to Wayne. Took the cars at 
 Mineral Point for Warren at y 2 after 2. Walked 
 all the way to Prairey School at Wayne. Lodged 
 with Br. Perham. 
 
 April 16. Visited with Br. Perham all day. 
 Preached at night, suffering greatly as I am af- 
 flicted with the Rheumatism. 
 
 April 17. Went home with my brother James. 
 Saw Father, mother Sister Ann and Brother 
 Ralph. 
 
 April 18. Had dinner at Bro. Perham 's thence 
 home. 
 
 April 19. Commenced drilling wheat. 
 
8 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 April 28. Got 20 bu. wheat of Peter Noble. 
 
 April 29. Finished drilling oats. 
 
 May 1. Preached at Bethel, morning and even- 
 ing to good crowds. 
 
 May 3. Paid to John Beardsley $27. to be re- 
 ported to Peter Noble, making all for 30 bu. of 
 wheat, received of him. 
 
 May 5. Made a deed of 40 acres of land to E. J. 
 Evans. Received of him, $300 and his note for 
 $300, with use. 
 
 May 7. Went to Monroe and paid Chenoweth 
 $200.66. Meeting prevented by rain. 
 
 May 8. Preached funeral of E. Ely and the Ri- 
 ley's. 
 
 May 9. Received of H. Ely $6. Dined with Bro. 
 Dr. Monroe. 
 
 June 6. Borrowed of Bro. Chilton, $150. to be 
 paid on demand, with use. 
 
 June 12. Gave funeral address for Bro. Wm. 
 Noble at 11. Preached at Bethel. 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 9 
 
 June 13. Meeting at Wiota. Received of Bro. 
 Griswold, $2. 
 
 June 23. Paid to Mary Olney, for work, in full 
 up to this date, $5.22y 2 . 
 
 June 26. At home all day on account of the paint 
 not being dry on the seats of the meeting house. 
 
 June 29. Settled with Mary Olney in full up to 
 this date. Square. 
 
 July 6. Received of Samuel Barstow a letter 
 with $5., part of what is due me for services last 
 fall. 
 
 July 16. Went to the School House — but nine 
 came. A heavy rain fell. 
 
 July 18. Received of Bro. Watkins $2.50, Sis- 
 ter Graham .50, Sister Watkins .25, Bro. S. Bar- 
 stow 5.00. 
 
 July 19. Visited Br. Rand and family, all day. 
 
 August 3. I. Riggs and Minerva Lieurance were 
 this day united in holy matrimony. 
 
10 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 August 5. I preached at the School House at 5 
 o 'clock. 
 
 August 18. Borrowed of John Beardsley, $55. 
 and paid the same to well-diggers. 
 
 August 27. Instructions for taking pills. Alter- 
 nate 1 to 3 for ten days, then 2 to 3 for ten days, 
 then 1 to 2 for same period. Every 4 hrs. 
 
 August 28. Baptized several candidates at y 2 
 after 5. 
 
 August 29. Eeceived of Bro. James Noble, 8 bu. 
 of winter wheat. 
 
 September 3. Received intelligence that Sher- 
 man is occupying Atlanta. 
 
 September 17. No meeting at Bethel. Heavy 
 rains and bad roads. Bought a buggy of John Mil- 
 ton. Gave him no cash, but my note for $160. for 
 sixty days. 
 
 September 20. Received by the hand of Peter 
 Noble, $9.25 due me from last year from the 
 church. This leaves $6.35 still owing. 
 
 September 24. Baptized 3 in the River. 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 11 
 
 September 30. Came home and found all well. 
 
 October 1. Went to the Post office and received 
 a letter from Bro. Gaston from Des Moines. Dis- 
 appointed in that he can not come to hold a meet- 
 ing. 
 
 October 8. At Wiota. Received of Bro. Griswold 
 $2. for my buggy. $10 from Bro. McAfee, for the 
 same purpose. 
 
 October 11. Received of Bro. Lemont $2. on 
 buggy. 
 
 October 20. Borrowed of John Beardsley, $200. 
 
 October 29. Was employed as Missionary for 
 the State. Time commencing today. 
 
 October 30. Hard storm; the meeting disap- 
 pointed. 
 
 October 31. Visited around with the brethren 
 making an effort for missionary funds and for a 
 place to hold meetings. 
 
 November 3. Paid John Milton $50. on the bug- 
 gy. 
 
12 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 November 6. The appointment for meeting at 11 
 failed on account of continued hard rain. More out 
 at night and a good hearing. 
 
 November 9. Still a heavy down pour. I remain 
 in doors and pass the time reading Mc. Garvey's 
 "Commentaries on the Acts." 
 
 November 14. Delivered a funeral discourse, the 
 occasion being the death of Peter Noble's daugh- 
 ter. Very few out at the night meeting, but good 
 interest manifest. 
 
 November 24. Thanksgiving Day. Just tolerable 
 turn out ; a meeting of praise. 
 
 November 26. All roads impassable so I remain 
 at home reading. 
 
 November 28. Still boggy and very muddy but I 
 am compelled to start to Hazel Green, with my 
 mare and buggy to be gone until after the meeting 
 at Lima. 
 
 November 29. Arrived at Hazel Green and 
 lodged with Bro. Richards; with him, I attended 
 the funeral of Bro. Babcock. 
 
 November 30. Found 15 female and 4 male mem- 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 13 
 
 bers at Hazel Green. Received donation of $1. of 
 Sister Margaret Kilgore and $1. of Sister M. No- 
 land. 
 
 December 1. Visited at the home of Bro. Shook's 
 family. He was not at home. 
 
 December 3. Donation by Bro. Beazley 50 cts. 
 Lodged with Bro. Asa Cole. 
 
 December 8. Saw some newspapers from a dis- 
 tance at Bro. Baltzell's. Learned that the fighting 
 is terrific at Atlanta and Mobile. Peace still seems 
 far away. 
 
 December 18. Funeral of Bro. Thomas Powell. 
 A goodly number of the citizens were out. 
 
 December 25. Preached a funeral discourse for 
 the child of Wm. Parks. 
 
1865 
 
 January 1. Agreed to solicit houses to hold 
 meetings in. Object is to unite the brethren east 
 and west of Grove. Lodged for the night at Bro. 
 Starr's. 
 
 January 5. Went to see a sick man. Expected to 
 see Bro. Laramore there but had a disappoint- 
 ment. In the afternoon, I read and examined 
 Anderson's translation of the New Testament. 
 Lodged at S. Starr's. 
 
 January 9. I start for home. Stopt at Bro. Fow- 
 ler's and took dinner. Arrived home after dark 
 and found that my daughter had been very sick 
 and my son Wycliffe threatened with the fever. 
 
 January 11. Went to Mineral Point and paid my 
 tax. 
 
16 THE; DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 January 12. I go to Georgetown. Find the minds 
 of the community greatly excited over the matter 
 of draft taxes. 
 
 January 14. Visited Bro. Wineman. Had an in- 
 troduction to a Mr. Lord (teacher from Platte- 
 ville). Had a most agreeable visit with him and a 
 Miss Welter (teacher at Georgetown). When I 
 preached at night, the above named persons were 
 interested and respectful hearers. Went, for lodg- 
 ing to Bro. Carnes\ 
 
 January 15. Went to hear the Congregational 
 preacher at 3. but none came to hear him. A fail- 
 ure. 
 
 January 17. Visited at Mr. Mc. Cullougfrs with 
 his wife and sister-in-law. Found them very much 
 interested in the meetings. Went on foot to the 
 Post office to get the news. Got none. Preached at 
 night. Subject, "The Union." 
 
 January 18. Went to the election at George- 
 town. Dined with Bro. Wineman. Had religious 
 conversation with him and Mr. Pretts. After the 
 meeting at night 9 persons covenanted to be con- 
 stituted into a church and to take the Bible as 
 their only faith and practice. Prospect is good 
 that many more will unite. 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 17 
 
 January 20. Visited Mr. Densley and had very 
 agreeable time. He and his good wife seem quite in 
 favor of an effort in the state for the establish- 
 ment of a true and primitive gospel of truth and 
 living. 
 
 January 22. Attended the meeting but did not 
 preach as the Methodist preacher came to his ap- 
 pointment and occupied the time very agreeably 
 to me. 
 
 January 23. Having promised Bro. Watson last 
 night, I visited Sister Watson this morning and 
 found her deeply concerned about her condition in 
 sin and disobedience. She is very anxious to be 
 immersed but in great dread on account of her 
 heart trouble. I talked with her at length and left 
 her feeling much better. 
 
 January 24. I start for home. Visited around 
 some at Mineral Point. Got a small bottle of gin 
 of Dr. Moffett. (for medicinal purposes). 
 
 January 25. Silas Howe came to my house to 
 stay. If we can agree, I will do as well by him as I 
 am able. 
 
 January 26. Had the severest storm of the win- 
 ter, thus far. 
 
18 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 January 28. Went to Monroe. Saw Bro. Bridges 
 and others and we agreed to defer preachment at 
 the School house for the present. 
 
 January 29. Bro. Mullis preached in the morn- 
 ing and I at night. He being a stranger, should 
 have preached at night, also, for I felt that the 
 brethren came to hear him. He insisted that I give 
 the discourse which I had prepared. 
 
 February 3. At Bro. Bridges all day and it still 
 rains very hard. Shall, most likely lose all the 
 snow. Can hear of no suitable place to buy or to 
 rent, as yet. I continue at Bro. Bridges to lodge. 
 
 February 6. Came home today and found all 
 well. Children went to the singing school at night. 
 
 February 7. Went to town and got the mare 
 shod and a forequarter of beef. (7 cts per lb.) Got 
 the news at the store. There are numerous reports 
 of peace. 
 
 February 8. Went to W. Wilson's visiting. 
 Found Bro. Noble and several others there. Had 
 a turkey roast and a very good visit. Camelia was 
 with me. Got a hind quarter of beef of Wilson for 
 $6. $5. I am to settle with Levi Noble and $1. I am 
 to pay him. Paid. 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 19 
 
 February 9. Went to Mineral Point to get the 
 sleigh mended. Stopt at David James's coming- 
 home. He expects to move as soon as he can make 
 arrangements. Got the news. The Army of the Po- 
 tomac is moving again. The peace movement 
 amounted to but little. Peace most likely will have 
 to be fought out. 
 
 February 10. Started for Georgetown, arriving 
 at three. Preached at night. Text, 12 & 13 of 1st. 
 Cor. Excellent interest and attention. I then pub- 
 lished an appointment for preaching tomorrow at 
 7. 
 
 February 11. Sister Nichols united with the 
 church, and M. J. Carnes and Bro. Nichols desire 
 to be immersed. 
 
 February 12. Heard the Presbyterian preacher, 
 today. A fairly good effort, in the main. 
 
 February 13. Assisted in the forenoon to fix a 
 place for baptism. Interest still continues. Sister 
 Nash is to be immersed. Lodged at Bro. Carnes 's. 
 
 February 14. At ten in the morning, I baptized 
 Sister Watson, M. J. Carnes, Belle Nichols, Mary 
 Jewell and Susannah Nash. 
 
20 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 February 15. Very stormy and cold, so I con- 
 tinue at Bro. Wineman's. 
 
 February 16. Visited the school and made a few 
 remarks, at the request of the teacher. 
 
 February 18. Eemained at Wm. Patterson's, 
 visiting and got my dinner, there. His son, the 
 married one, is, in my opinion, in the last stages 
 of consumption. 
 
 February 19. Went to the Methodist class meet- 
 ing and took part with them. Preached, myself, at 
 3 and attended to the Lord's Supper. 
 
 February 20. Met at the water, and immersed 
 David Patterson, Sarah and Eliza Grubb and 
 Meta Wellers. 
 
 February 21. Collected $14. for school chairs. 
 Lodged with Bro. Carnes. Received of the church, 
 at Georgetown, by the hand of Bro. A. Carnes, 
 $75. I got home too late to be at David James's 
 sale. Found quite a few of the brethren at my 
 house. 
 
 February 25. This is the date of the release of 
 lands for roads. It rained hard and I got very wet 
 coming home. 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 21 
 
 February 28. I went to A. Hayes to make a deed 
 to L. Noble. Sever commenced work for me, today. 
 I will do as well by him as I am able. 
 
 March 4. Received the news first, then engaged 
 in reading Walker's "God Revealed in Nature 
 and in Christ." Lodged at Bro. Bennet's. 
 
 March 6. Went to visit Bro. J. Bridges. He is 
 threatened with fever, so I lodged at John Ely's. 
 
 March 8. Paid to Sever for work, $2. But few in 
 attendance at night meeting. Bro. Mullis did not 
 come so I kept his appointment. 
 
 March 9. Quarterly meeting at Bethel. Stormy 
 and small turn out at night. Saw C. Anthony, to- 
 day. An old acquaintance and a scholar of mine in 
 1832. 
 
 March 10. Meeting disappointed on account of 
 the storm. Dickered with painters about painting 
 my buggy. Went to see Peter Noble's little son. 
 He has been very sick, but is convalescent. This is 
 as hard a storm as any for the winter. 
 
 March 14. Found one whole swarm of my bees 
 dead. Got quite a quantity of honey but there was 
 
22 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 very little " bee-bread." The reason they died, 
 most likely. 
 
 Maech 15. Drove to town to take Bro. Mullis to 
 board the cars. 
 
 March 17. At Georgetown. Could not go on, on 
 account of having very bad sore throat. A very 
 uncommon thing with me. It approaches Diph- 
 theria. 
 
 Maech 20. Had to go to town to see Doctor for 
 Sever. Paid out 50cts for medicine for him. 
 
 Maech 21. Visiting at Peter Noble's. Very high 
 water and narrow roads. 
 
 Maech 22. Went to town on business and for the 
 news. Found the cars stopt by the destruction of 
 bridges. Got no mail as the Galena mail hack with 
 the mail bags was washed down stream. Was on 
 foot and found the going very hard. 
 
 Maech 23. Visited in the vicinity of home and 
 attended to some business. Got $4. of Bro. Noble 
 to be paid back next Wednesday. 
 
 Maech 24. Went to Georgetown and commenced 
 at night. Had a good commencement. 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 23 
 
 March 27. Received $15. of Bro. Nichols to buy 
 timothy and clover seed. Borrowed of D. L. Nich- 
 ols $100. to be paid when I finish seeding. 
 
 March 28. Received of Bro. Geo. Wineman $50. 
 borrowed money, to be paid when called for, with 
 use. Went home through Mineral Point and paid 
 Col. Cobb $600. for Bro. Carnes. 
 
 March 29. Went to town in the forenoon but was 
 forced to return. Very sick with my chronic bowel 
 affliction. 
 
 March 30. Started to Fairfield. Stopt at Bro. 
 Monroe's and found him sick so went to Bro. 
 Schellingers to lodge. 
 
 March 31. Went to Bro. Chilton's and paid him 
 $150. thence to my father's at Lattice Bridge. 
 Took dinner with Mother as Father had gone to 
 my brother James's, his youngest child, being 
 dead. Shall try to get to the funeral tomorrow, at 
 Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Went to David Starr's. 
 He lives where S. Starr formerly did. Fed my 
 mare and rested a while then preached at night to 
 only a tolerable turn out. 
 
 April 1. Attended the funeral of my brother 
 James' child, thence to Bro. J. H. Bridges where 
 
24 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 I put out my mare. Went on to the school house 
 and preached from the 11. of Hebrews, to a small 
 gathering. Suffered severely with the tooth-ache 
 all the time. 
 
 April 2. Still at Br. Bridges. Tooth ache is very 
 bad. Mostly brethren at the meeting, few sisters. 
 Received of Bro. Bridges $10. He is quite sick. 
 Lodged at Bro. S. Berry's. 
 
 April 4. Went to Monroe and got clover and 
 timothy seeds, then went on to Wiota. 
 
 April 5. Gave funeral discourse on the occasion 
 of the death of Mr. Gilmore, then went home. It 
 rained and blew all night. 
 
 April 7. Suffered full as much in coming to 
 Georgetown, today as on any day in the past win- 
 ter. Took cold and the tooth-ache returned. 
 
 April 8. Tried to get my teeth extracted but the 
 man did not have any suitable instruments, so he 
 could not draw them. Preached at night with great 
 difficulty. 
 
 April 10. Heard, distinctly, the large guns at 
 Galena. Ascertained that they were in celebration 
 of Lee's surrender to Grant. 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 25 
 
 April 12. Discovered today, some wire-pulling, 
 commencing, as usual; the result of prejudice. 
 Stayed the night at Bro. Nichols. 
 
 April 13. Came home through the Point and got 
 the news, there. Found all well at home. 
 
 April 14. Brother Monroe is quite sick but sup- 
 posed to be convalescent. Harry commenced 
 threshing wheat. 
 
 April 15. Went to town to get the mare shod and 
 received intelligence of the death of the President 
 and Sec. Seward. This is a great calamity. I am 54 
 years old today. Paid Bro. Beardsley $5. borrowed 
 money. 
 
 April 17. Took Camelia to Bro. James Noble's. 
 Got early potatoes for planting. 
 
 April 18. Preached at Bethel on the solemn oc- 
 casion of the death of the President. Had a very 
 large audience and good interest. 
 
 April 21. Expected to go to Green County but 
 was prevented by the storm. A fall of from two to 
 three inches in depth. 
 
 April 22. Still snowing this morning. I am quite 
 
26 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 unwell. Prevented from going to Green County. 
 Have no previous appointment, till next Friday so 
 shall remain at home over Sunday. A good oppor- 
 tunity for reading. 
 
 Apeil 24. Consulted with Bro. Noble and others 
 on the necessity of exercising discipline in a few 
 cases in the Bethel congregation. 
 
 April 25. Went to Skinner via. Fayette and Ar- 
 gyle. Saw several of the brethren on the way and 
 consulted with them on missionary matters. 
 Lodged with Bro. Ely. 
 
 April 26. Started to Richland Center. Saw my 
 brother in law, Major Stephenson, who is home 
 from the army on a leave of absence. He must re- 
 turn next Saturday. 
 
 April 28. Bro. Blount is quite sick. He and the 
 others on his side of the timber are very anxious 
 to constitute and keep up the meetings and to at- 
 tend to the ordinances of our Lord. Went to Bro. 
 D. Clark's in the evening and it rained on me all 
 the way. 
 
 April 29. Very bad Catarrhal head ache. Sent 
 the "Proclamation" to Daniel Clark, Stephenson 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 27 
 
 Co. 111. Paid in Wisconsin money, to be sent back 
 if not correct. 
 
 Apkil 30. It is still raining but a few of the faith- 
 ful attended meeting. I made a good impression on 
 all. Had an unanimous agreement and covenant to 
 meet every Lord 's Day to keep the ordinance and 
 for mutual improvement and usefullness in the Di- 
 vine life and system of government. 
 
 May 1. Started to the west side of Grove to see 
 brethren and to have them unite with the church 
 on next Lord's Day. Brother Blount, S. Starr, D. 
 Starr, Bro. Eaton, H. Ely and wife and son and 
 the wives of three of the others all promised to 
 unite. Went on to Monroe to see Major Stephen- 
 son, but he had gone to Madison. 
 
 May 2. Made a speech, at night, on the assassi- 
 nation of President Lincoln and on prospects fa- 
 vorable to a speedy return to peace and complete 
 union. In this lies our only hope. 
 
 May 3. Returned home and found my family all 
 well, but my neighbor's child dead. Child of C. 
 Noble. Gave them Divine comfort and promised 
 funeral discourse for tomorrow. 
 
 May 4. Preached funeral of the Noble child. 
 
28 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 May 7. Attended a funeral preached by D. Stod- 
 dard at 3. 
 
 May 9. Consulted with J. Noble at Peter Noble's 
 on the subject of the Bethel church donating to 
 the State Society for my labor at Bethel. 
 
 May 11. Started to Viroqua and suffered severe- 
 ly with the cold. Crossed the river at Mineota. 
 Lodged with Bro. Basye then went on to Sugar 
 Grove. Ascertained that Jefferson Davis was cap- 
 tured in Georgia. 
 
 May 12. At Bro. Smith's at Sugar Grove. Good 
 turn out at the meeting at night but Copperhead- 
 ism 1 obstructs the truth here very much. 
 
 May 13. Arrived at Viroqua. Dined at Br. Pur- 
 dy's. Visited some on the street with the citizens. 
 Only tolerable hearing at night. 
 
 May 14. Attended the funeral of a young soldier. 
 Preached by a Methodist. 32 members organized 
 at Viroqua. 
 
 May 15. Immersed Nancy Davis at 10. Received 
 donations : $5. of John Dawson. $3 of B. W. Pur- 
 dv. and $3. of Bro. S. Davis and wife. 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 29 
 
 May 16. Donation of Bro. Williams 35 cts. Ar- 
 rived at Sugar Grove at 4. Very tired but 
 preached at night. 
 
 May 18. 68 members in all at Sugar Grove. 
 
 May 19. Richland Center School House occupied, 
 so no meeting. Appointment for 7 tomorrow. 
 
 May 20. But few attended the meeting. There 
 was a concert in the Court House. 
 
 May 21. On my way home. Stayed at Otter Creek 
 with an acquaintance. 
 
 May 22. Got to Mineral Point at 11. Detained 
 there for repairs on my buggy, but got home at 
 dusk. All well. 
 
 May 27. Was this day employed as Missionary 
 for the state. 
 
 May 28-30. At annual meeting at Richland Cen- 
 ter. 
 
 June 5. Continued at Georgetown for a mission- 
 ary effort at 5. Spent the day visiting with the citi- 
 zens. Received by the hand of Bro. Patterson $10. 
 donation for labor at Georgetown. 
 
30 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 June 6. Eeceived of Bro. Wineman $10. As I 
 passed through Mineral Point, I paid Lathrop 
 $3.50. Also bought of Moffet, a book for daily 
 records. Paid $1. for same. 
 
 June 8. Got two books at Mineral Point. Also 
 one linen duster, $3.50. Postage stamps, 50 cts. 
 Got home by 1 o 'clock. 
 
 June 9. Hauled Mr. Felt the United Brethren 
 preacher, to Fayette. Found Brother Parks just 
 home from the army. 
 
 June 10. Remained at Brother Parks reading 
 the Scriptures, also Padon's papers on the 
 " Prophesies.' ' 
 
 June 11. Gave funeral address. Dined with 
 James Ely and family between meetings. 
 
 June 12. Left for the Fairfield School House 
 and the Blount School House via. Monroe. Bro. 
 Eaton left for Monroe to attend a trial. I spent the 
 day reading Campbell's "Philosophy of Rheto- 
 
 June 13. It rained all day so I spent the time, 
 very profitably, reading Anderson's "Transla- 
 tions." 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 31 
 
 June 14. Lodged at Bro. Narramore's. Had 
 most agreeable time. He is favorable to a mission- 
 ary effort in the state and especially in his vicin- 
 ity. 
 
 June 15. Very hard rain. Meeting prevented. 
 
 June 16. Remained at Bro. D. Starr's. Visited 
 some and read the news in some papers that he 
 had from a distance. Preached at night at the 
 Blount School House. Mistake on account of not 
 obtaining the key to the school in time. 
 
 June 18. Took my father with me and remained 
 all night at S. Starr's. Succeeded in getting a 
 pledge of $300. for use in the vicinity of Fairfield 
 and Blount Schools. 
 
 June 19. Very sick with chronic diarrhea. Re- 
 ceived a letter from my son David James. He and 
 family are well. 
 
 June 20. Got copies of Proclamation and Har- 
 binger. Got medicine of Dr. Moffett for my ail- 
 ment. 
 
 June 21. At home all day. No better, in fact not 
 nearly so well. 
 
32 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 June 22. Went to see Dr. Monroe about my Di- 
 arrhea. Paid him $1. and shall give his medicine a 
 fair trial. 
 
 June 24. It is raining and I have Neuralgia. 
 
 June 25. Had unsatisfactory talk with Schel- 
 linger about the road. Was very sick in town so 
 came home. 
 
 June 26. Some better. Preached at 6 to just tol- 
 erably full house. A manifest interest in the effort 
 by all present. 
 
 June 27. I am desirous of purchasing a work 
 called "Primitive Piety Revived." Shall do so as 
 soon as I can spare the cash. 
 
 June 28. Lodged at Parmley's Tavern. 
 
 June 30. Arrived at Viroqua and found the citi- 
 zens in great distress on account of the storm. 
 Many homes and much property entirely de- 
 stroyed and the citizens injured and bruised and 
 some killed outright. Bro. Barstow and his good 
 wife, her mother, father and brother and several 
 others. Held no meeting but visited the distressed. 
 
 July 1. Spent the clay ministering to the 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 33 
 
 wounded and distressed. Two more died today. No 
 preaching but shall try to hold a meeting, tomor- 
 row for prayer. 
 
 July 3. Held meeting at 4. Few in attendance. 
 
 July 4. Visited in Viroqua with the grief strick- 
 en citizens. Two more must surely die soon. Fed 
 and watered my horse at Bro. Wright's and 
 lodged there. Got little if any sleep. 
 
 July 5. At Bro. Lewis Sterling's all day. Took 
 some dandelion pills and they seemed to help some 
 so I shall continue their use. 
 
 July 6. The following were constituted into a 
 church: Lewis Sterling, Delilah Sterling, L. G. 
 Sterling, Margaret Sterling, Calvin Clark, Sarah 
 Clark, John Butter and wife, Mary Latshaw (Bro. 
 Butter's daughter), Elizabeth Rolph, Maria But- 
 ter and old Sister Sterling. 
 
 July 8. The Victory brethren were in attend- 
 ance at the meeting and they brought with them a 
 strange preacher from Illinois, R. J. Usher ; but I 
 preached myself. Bro. Usher lodged with me at 
 Bro. Sterling's. My health continues to improve. 
 
 July 10. Went to meeting from Bro. Latshaw 's. 
 
34 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 Preaching was by Bro. Usher and a mighty poor 
 effort. Sister Adeline Wilford appointed tomor- 
 row to be immersed. 
 
 July 11. Immersed Sister Wilford and at the 
 same time James Latshaw. 
 
 July 12. Called to Victory to preach the funeral 
 of three soldiers. 
 
 July 13. Proceeded to Viroqua and got a tooth 
 drawn. The man made hard work of it and I was 
 hurt very much. Paid $4. for a small trunk. 
 
 July 15. Bros. Drake, Powell and myself went 
 trouting. We got 20 pretty good ones. 
 
 July 16. Preached a funeral discourse for three 
 soldier boys who died or were killed in the army. 
 They were all members of Sugar Grove congrega- 
 tion and the sons of Bro. Z. Smith and Bro. L. 
 Drake. 
 
 July 17. Went squirrelling in the forenoon and 
 gathered golden seal with the children in the af- 
 ternoon. Text at night was 3rd of Col. Spent the 
 night at Br. Spurrier's. 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 35 
 
 July 18. Examined the place for baptism and 
 baptized 10 persons at 4. 
 
 July 20. Stopt at Bro. Taylor's to get a shirt 
 washed, thence to Bro. R. Drake's who had just 
 returned from the army. He got down to the water 
 in time to see three of his children baptized. It was 
 raining a steady down pour. 
 
 July 23. Received $13.35 of the church. Sugar 
 Grove, Vernon Co. donation. I immersed Susan 
 and Margaret Babb. 
 
 July 25. Started home via Orion. Came by Min- 
 eral Point and got home by 11. Found my father 
 at my house. 
 
 July 26. The book "Primitive Piety" came to- 
 day. Cost $1.25. 
 
 July 27. Went to town and sent off some letters 
 and got 1 lb. of tea, some catarrhal snuff and some 
 beef. 
 
 July 29. Went to Mineral Point to trade. 
 Bought for myself ; 2 shirts. Camelia got goods to 
 the amount of $9. Got 14 lbs. of beef. 
 
36 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 July 30. Preached at Bethel. Was very hoarse ; 
 a very uncommon thing with me. The turn out was 
 fairly good; considering that there was no pre- 
 vious notice of meeting. 
 
 July 31 Went to see if I could, if possible, get 
 the difficulties between George Lieurance and H. 
 Schellinger, straightened out. 
 
 August 1. Went to town for sugar and vinegar. 
 Visited considerable at the store. 
 
 August 2. Took Ed. Fessenden to town to board 
 the cars for Louisville. Saw some fine cod-fish so 
 bought 10 lbs. 
 
 August 3. Went to Beardsley's to help start the 
 reapers to cut his oats on Smith's place. Beards- 
 ley gave me $3. for the old harness. Received a re- 
 quest to preach a funeral discourse for Wm. Bur- 
 rett. 
 
 August 4. Bought 15 lbs. of pork at 15cts. a lb. 
 
 August 7. Let Harvey take my mare and buggy 
 to take my Father home. 
 
 August 8. Sent to town by A. Powell for $1. 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 37 
 
 worth of coffee. Stayed at home, myself, to inter- 
 view the reapers. 
 
 August 10. At home all day. Helped to cut my 
 wheat. 
 
 August 11. Shocked wheat part of the day. John 
 Howe came to work for me. 
 
 August 12. Officiated at the marriage of H. M. 
 Howe. Received $5. 
 
 August 15. Went to see about getting a mower 
 to cut my oats. Failed. Got the mare shod. 
 
 August 16. Went to Beaumont's to get mower 
 but he would not let it go, so I had to hire him to 
 cut the oats. His son came in the evening and 
 proved it could be mowed. 
 
 August 17. Stacked wheat today. 
 
 August 23. Went to Sextonville. Bought a bottle 
 of Seeley's Catarrhal liquid. Preached at night. 
 A small turn out. Universalists and Spiritualists 
 could stand plain Bible truths no better than 
 Methodists and Presbyterians. 
 
 August 25. Went to Bro, Snyder's, hoping to 
 
38 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 find some of the brethren, I had not seen for some 
 time, helping him thresh. None were there. Pro- 
 cured of him, some white wheat, of which he has a 
 fine quality. Spent the afternoon reading Good- 
 win's sermons. Some things in them pleased me. 
 Others, seemed to me to be erroneous. 
 
 August 27. Preached in the morning and at 
 night. Received a donation of $20. from the breth- 
 ren. Lodged at Bro. Ross's. 
 
 August 29. Had a long interview with Elder 
 Walworth, he riding with me as I proceeded to 
 Woodstock. 
 
 August 30. Stayed in the house all day on ac- 
 count of my eye. Could read but little for the same 
 reason. Am better, on the whole of the Catarrhal 
 condition. 
 
 September 2. Visited Bro. Mc. Taggart and Bro. 
 Pugh. The Good Templars had a lodge at night, 
 reducing the attendance at meeting. 
 
 September 3. Preached to a large number in 
 Bro. Nick's barn. Collection $6.73. 
 
 September 4. Started home. Took Sister Si- 
 mon's deaf and dumb daughter to Richland Con- 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 39 
 
 ter. Crossed the river and lodged at Parmley's 
 tavern. 
 
 September 12. John Howe went to Amos Hays 
 to work after having lost 4 days. 
 
 September 13. Went to Mineral Point. Bought 
 spices, sugar and vinegar for Camelia's pickling. 
 Learned the district overpaid Bro. Mullis. Bro. 
 Noble complained some for himself and others be- 
 cause the Georgetown brethren had not paid some- 
 thing for district labor. 
 
 September 15. I am at home all day. The chil- 
 dren were permitted to go to Darlington to the 
 Fair. 
 
 September 16. "Went to town and posted some 
 letters. D. J. Hays came home, today from the 
 army. Henrietta did not come on the cars so I 
 came home without her. 
 
 September 17. Henrietta came today and she 
 brought copies of the Proclamation and some pa- 
 pers for me to read. The children went to singing 
 school at the meeting house at night. 
 
 September 18. Went to Davis's place to see the 
 threshers. They can not thresh for me until they 
 
40 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 finish for Smith and Marcy. Got a copy of the 
 Louisville Journal to read. 
 
 September 22. Ascertained that Bro. Mullis is 
 distressed that others have the ground here and 
 that it is, apparently useless for us to make an 
 effort. 
 
 September 23. Made calls on Bros. Watson, 
 Carnes and Nichols. Got a good dinner at the last 
 named. Agreed to go to the funeral of Bro. Beas- 
 ley's sons, tomorrow. 
 
 September 24. Attended the funeral of Bro. 
 Beasley's sons, who died in the army. Bro. Jones 
 failed to be present at the appointed hour, but 
 after I had opened with prayer and Scripture 
 reading, he came and delivered the discourse to a 
 very large audience. 
 
 September 25. Arrived home and found the 
 threshers at my house. Went up to town for some 
 beef and tobacco. 
 
 September 26. Went up to the Post office for the 
 news. Have had no definite news from my boys in 
 the army. Finished threshing. 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 41 
 
 September 27. Hauled a load of oats to town in 
 a heavy rain. 
 
 September 28. At home all day. My boys came 
 home from the army, today. 
 
 September 29. Went to Fairfield. There was no 
 appointment for a meeting so I had to get up one 
 by my own efforts. Lodged at Bro. Bridges. 
 
 September 30. At Bro. Ely's. Paid him $67. on 
 note. Received the note. 
 
 October 4. Received of D. D. Clark $1. Visited 
 with Bro. N. Peak most of the day and had a gen- 
 eral overhauling of his difficulties. Some things 
 looked favorable and some, not. 
 
 October 6. A session was appointed to organize 
 the district. Received payment for four months. 
 
 October 11. Visited at Bro. Judson Beardsley's 
 where there were a great number of the sisters 
 sewing for Sister Beardsley. 
 
 October 12. Went to Sister Loof borrow 's sale. 
 Saw a number of the citizens. Bought a set of 
 Church Histories. Paid $10. (not paid.) 
 
42 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 October 13. Went to town to trade. Bought, 
 
 Postage stamps $1.00 
 
 Coat $1.90 
 
 Beef $1.00 
 
 Tobacco $1.00 
 
 October 14. Camelia bought at Barrington's, 
 goods $13.45. At Dellers, $6. and at Lathrop's, $1. 
 
 October 16. Went to see Evans about buying my 
 farm. He can not make such payments as would 
 suit me. Went to see Bro. Schellinger; he was 
 away from home, thence to John Beardsley's and 
 he was also away. St opt in to see E. Evans and he 
 was in town. Saw Levi Noble and made him an of- 
 fer to buy my farm. 
 
 October 17. Saw Samuel Smith and settled with 
 him up to this day. Square. 
 
 October 18. Saw John and the boys at Bro. 
 James Noble 's. Approached them about my farm. 
 No sale. E. Evans promises to be read}^ with his 
 indebtedness, soon. He does not care about buy- 
 ing my farm. 
 
 October 19. Saw Walter and E. Evans. They 
 were to let me know, in the evening what they 
 would do about the farm. Rode to town with old 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 43 
 
 man Evans and home with Harry, who hauled a 
 load of goods for A. Babcock. 
 
 October 20. Employed A. Cobb to attend to my 
 mortgage business. Saw E. Noble and Amos Hays. 
 
 October 21. Bought shoes for Camelia and Ann 
 Eliza. 
 
 L ir> 
 
 October 22. Preached at 11 and at y 2 after 3. 
 Good hearing, both times. 
 
 L t=>i 
 
 October 23. Went to see plasterer. Visited Bro. 
 Baxter and others. Received a letter from Bro. 
 Hurd, concerning Bro. Exley. 
 
 October 25. Went to town to post letters and to 
 trade. 
 
 Bought 400 laths $2.10 
 
 66 ft. flooring 3.17 
 
 Nails & door latch 1.91 
 
 October 26. At home all day. Raining hard; 
 should have gone to Georgetown, but for the down 
 pour. 
 
 October 27. Could not have a meeting at George- 
 town! on account of the Methodists occupying the 
 meeting house. 
 
44 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 October 30. Paid Bro. Nichols $25. in full of all 
 demands up to this date. Visited a number of the 
 brethren during the day and lodged at Bro. Wine- 
 man's. 
 
 October 31. Started home in the early morning 
 and arrived late at night. Saw Col. Cobb in town. 
 He had a letter from Guernsey stating he had the 
 bond and mortgage. Found Camelia quite sick. 
 
 November 5. Visited the sick folks at Parmley's 
 and at old Bro. Dean's. I preached at night. It was 
 Bro. Mullis's appointment but I filled it. Lodged 
 at Bro. Coryell's. 
 
 November 6. Engaged Bro. Mullis as Missionary 
 in district No. 2. It is not definitely settled but 
 have hope of success if the brethren use their in- 
 fluence properly. Settled matters in regard to Bro. 
 Wagner. Satisfactory to me. 
 
 November 9. Visited Bro. Hurd and wife all day 
 and went with them to prayer meeting at night. 
 Ascertained that a bad state of affairs exists at 
 Waupun. 
 
 November 10. Went to see Bro. Exley and re- 
 ceived some encouragement that he would come to 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 45 
 
 labor in Dist. No. 2. Bro. Exley appears well to 
 me as a Christian and as a gentleman. 
 
 November 12. Attended a temperance lecture at 
 7. Given by Dr. Miller, a Methodist. The Waupun 
 congregation contributed $5. for Missionary work. 
 
 November 13. Started home. Boarded the cars at 
 Chester and arrived at Janesville at 5. Searched 
 for some one who would haul me to Center. Was 
 unsuccessful so lodged with Sister Johnson. 
 
 November 14. Sought all forenoon for an oppor- 
 tunity to ride to Center. Rode with Curtis Parm- 
 ley. Paid I. Parmley $1. borrowed money. 
 
 November 15. Took the cars at Footeville and 
 arrived at Mineral Point at 7%. Met Harry and 
 rode out home with him. All are well. My wife ap- 
 pears much improved. 
 
 November 16. Stayed home all day and husked 
 corn. Got 4 loads (120 bu.). Completely worked 
 myself down. , - 
 
 November 17. Went all over the country and 
 neighborhood circulating an appointment for Bro. 
 Exlev. Got a letter from Bro. Rains, Green Castle, 
 Ind/ 
 
46 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 November 19. Brother Exley preached. A good 
 effort and well received. He came home with me to 
 lodge. 
 
 November 20-21. Bro. Exley is still lodging at 
 my house. 
 
 November 24. Levi Noble paid to George Noble 
 for A Powell, $50. to be credited on my note to 
 him for $60. by John Beardsley and me. It was to 
 draw interest at 7%. 
 
 November 27. I baptized Silas Howe. Bro. Ex- 
 ley preached on the Text, "The Judgment to 
 Come." 
 
 November 28. Had a hard snow storm so the 
 meeting disappointed. 
 
 November 29. Went to Georgetown and suffered 
 with the cold all the way. 
 
 November 30. Arose this morning feeling rested 
 and refreshed. Read Campbell and Owen's De- 
 bates. Got some lard and camphor and made a 
 camphoratum for my Catarrh. 
 
 December 1. Run around in the village. Saw 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 47 
 
 some of the Methodist brethren who have a trial 
 with Mr. Haines. 
 
 December 2. District No. 1 employed Bro. Exley 
 for the sum of $600. a year, traveling expenses, 
 added. 
 
 December 5. Went to Bro. Carnes and got from 
 him a change of clothing to go into the water with. 
 I immersed A. Nichols and Ellen Harney. 
 
 December 7. Bun around quite a bit visiting. 
 Got me a warm cap and gloves and had the mare 
 shod. Attended a meeting of thanksgiving and 
 praise. Prayer by Elder Lawson and a talk by a 
 stranger. Pretty good thing in the main. 
 
 December 8. I continue at Sister Young's all 
 day reading Scott's "Great Demonstration." 
 
 December 9. Preaching by Bro. Exley. Subject 
 "Christ, a Necessity on Account of Man's Condi- 
 tion in Sin." Quite a full house but a few were 
 evil disposed. Lodged at Bro. Barstow's. 
 
 December 10. House would not hold the congre- 
 gation today. I preached although suffering acute- 
 ly with Catarrh. Went to Carley's to dine. 
 
48 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 December 12. Stormed and blew a gale all day. 
 But little snow fell. Read the Scriptures on the 
 second coming. Urged Bro. Woodruff to unite 
 with the church. He promises to give it considera- 
 tion. Lodged with him. 
 
 December 13. Remained at Bro. Woodruff's 
 then went to Sister Young's. Examined a place for 
 baptism. Found it very difficult and think it best 
 to prepare a place at a spring near some house. 
 Lodged at Sister Young's. The room was too cold 
 for comfort. 
 
 December 14. Mercury stands at 20° below zero. 
 
 December 15. Still 20 below this morning. "Went 
 to Samuel Barstow's to see if we could prepare 
 for immersion, but decided to prepare at Sister 
 Young's. Worked some at making a dam but did 
 not finish it. 
 
 December 16. Completed the dam, in the morn- 
 ing. Bro. Walker was present and did most of the 
 work on account of my being afflicted with the 
 Rheumatism in my hip and ankle. Bro. Exley at- 
 tended to the immersion ! 
 
 December 17. Very early in the morning, I had 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 49 
 
 to get up with Bro. Exley, he having the Neural- 
 gia. I had very little sleep. 
 
 December 20. I immersed young Bro. Parks at 
 9. Started home and stopt at Dr. Baltzell's for 
 dinner, thence to Mineral Point. Went to S. War- 
 ren's for Bro. Exley to warm his feet and hands. 
 Found all well on my arrival home. Also found a 
 letter from Br. Wagner concerning my further 
 employment as Missionary, at $100. a year. 
 
 December 21. Saw C. Noble concerning his note. 
 Went to see E. Evans, also. Both promised to get 
 the money as soon as they were able. 
 
 December 23. Saw Wilson at Mineral Point and 
 had him write to Guernsey concerning my mort- 
 gage, informing him that the money is deposited 
 at Cobb and Wilson to be paid whenever the pa- 
 pers are tendered. Deposited $350. on Clinton No- 
 ble's note calling for $650. ($20 credited.) This is 
 interest. It is with Cobb and Wilson to be applied 
 on bond and mortgage on my farm. Paid to Jud- 
 son Beardsley, $5. in advance on pork. 
 
 December 26. John Beardsley informed me that 
 he had paid to A. Powell the amount of my note, 
 principle and interest, at the request of A. Powell 
 in September. 
 
50 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 December 27. At home all day. Borrowed of E. 
 Lieurance, 19 pounds of pork and 11 pounds of 
 salt. 
 
 December 28. Saw John Beardsley at the sale. 
 He had not settled the matter with A. Powell, yet, 
 but promises to do so or to try to do so very soon. 
 He wished to know if I would have to pay him 
 what he paid Powell. 
 
 December 29. Compelled to go to town to see 
 Wilson, whether he had heard from Guernsey and 
 to see W. Henry, to have him release mortgage on 
 land sold to E. Evans. Got my rubber pants and 
 boots for immersion. Paid $18. and express 
 charges. If I labor for $100. per year, the Breth- 
 ren should be willing to help with this expense. 
 
 December 30. Paid to Peter Lieurance $2.25 for 
 work on house. Saw a letter from Guernsey and he 
 denies having my interest on mortgage. Saw E. 
 Evans and he promises to pay soon. Saw Win. 
 Henry and he agrees to release E. Evans. 
 
 December 31 Preached at Bethel. Brother 
 Carnes wants me to get a bushel of clover seed for 
 him in Green Co. Did get it. Paid, from Waupun 
 to Janesville, $2.75. From Janesville to Footeville, 
 60cts. and for a poor dinner, 50cts. 
 
1866 
 
 January 1. Visited Sister Fosgate and family. 
 Read, while there some excellent things in the 
 writings of Channing, on "Creeds." Also his let- 
 ters to a young preacher in the west. 
 
 January 2. Went to John Beardsley's and bor- 
 rowed $100. to be paid when called for, with use. 
 
 January 4. Eeceived from Evans the amount of 
 his note with interest to this date. Received of C. 
 Noble, $580. on his note. Paid $88.66 back on C. 
 Noble note. 
 
 January 5. C. Noble appears to be somewhat 
 better. I spent a great part of the day reading, 
 "The Life of Luther." 
 
 January 6. Received of C. Noble all the prin- 
 ciple and interest on D. J. Howe's note $688.66. 
 
52 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 Bought a draft of Wm. Henry ($1357.22.) to be 
 sent to Guernsey to be tendered by T. Allen. Got a 
 copy of a quite recent agricultural report, which I 
 am examining with interest. 
 
 January 7. After preaching, had an interview 
 with A. Powell. Not very satisfactory, but if he 
 settles with J. B., I will let it pass with out action 
 on my part, unless it becomes necessary to ex- 
 plain. 
 
 January 8. Ed and I spent the greater part of 
 the morning fixing the windlass on the well. 
 
 January 9. Went to Wiota to Solemnize the 
 marriage of Lucy Schellinger and J. F. Beardsley. 
 Eeceived $5. 
 
 January 11. A letter from Guernsey states that 
 he received $104.24, for interest and that if I 
 would send the balance of interest and principle, 
 he would send me the papers. 
 
 January 15. A storm raged all day. My brother, 
 George came to my house for a visit. 
 
 January 16. We went up to town. Heard of the 
 tender of the mortgage money. Guernsey refused 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 53 
 
 to take it. He says that if I will send $20 more, he 
 will send the papers. I refused to do so. 
 
 January 17. Helped to kill my hogs, today. 
 Preached at night. 
 
 January 18. Started to Green Co. via. Wiota. 
 Lodged with Bro. George Schellinger. 
 
 January 19. Started for Skinner. Called on Bro. 
 Chilton and borrowed $5. to be paid Feb. 15. 
 Heard that Bro. Mullis had just passed on his 
 way home via. Monroe. Bro. Griswold and wife 
 were with him. Very small turn out at the meeting 
 at night on account of hard snow storm. 
 
 January 20. Went to the singing school at night. 
 The singing teacher did not come but as a few 
 were assembled, I preached to them. 
 
 January 22. At Bro. Park's all day. Preached 
 to a full house at night. Many had come, again ex- 
 pecting singing school. 
 
 January 25. Visited Bro. Blount and family. 
 We went to meeting together. A full house but not 
 a good feeling amongst the brethren. Will hold the 
 meeting at the Cliff School house tomorrow. 
 
54 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 Januaey 27. Bros. McKahan and Parks took my 
 mare and cutter to town. Paid Bro. H. Ely $20.78. 
 
 January 29. Went to a funeral at the Junction 
 preached by Mr. Eolph. A very poor effort. 
 
 Januaey 30. Found Bro. J. Parks much better 
 than I expected. At the meeting at night, Mrs. 
 Ainsworth, her son and daughter came forward 
 seeking salvation. 
 
 February 1. Visited at the Ains worth home. Her 
 son and daughter were at school but had a very 
 interesting visit with the old lady. 
 
 February 2. Lodging at Bro. Lewis McKahan 's 
 Very cold weather and many stayed away from 
 meeting with whom I could have gone home to 
 lodge so I returned to Bro. McKahan 's. 
 
 February 4. Having no appointment, myself, I 
 attended the Methodist meeting at eleven. Heard 
 Mr. Walker preach rather an ordinary discourse. 
 At his request, I followed with a few remarks 
 which were will received. 
 
 February 5. The Ainsworth children confessed 
 their faith and intention to serve the Lord. 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 55 
 
 February 7. Meeting of the brethren at James 
 Parks 's to reconcile and overhaul certain matters. 
 They covenanted to serve the Lord in all things. 
 
 February 8. Conversed at length with Bro. Wm. 
 Ely. He promises to renew his covenant with the 
 Lord and the brethren. The prayer meeting at 
 night was disappointed for the Argus meeting. 
 
 February 12. Attended to the immersion of Kez- 
 iah and Mary McKahan. Received a donation of 
 $1.50 (personal). 
 
 February 13. Received a donation of $5.35 from 
 the Skinner congregation. Started home and ar- 
 rived at 5. Bro. Exley did not keep his appoint- 
 ment so I had to preach, though very unwell, with 
 a sore throat. 
 
 February 15. At home today, the weather is as 
 severe as any for the winter. I am reading Bax- 
 ter's "Reformed Pastor," I think with much 
 profit. 
 
 February 16. At home today as it is too cold to 
 travel. I am reading "Primitive Piety." A very 
 good work. Deserves to be read often and studied 
 very carefully. 
 
56 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 February 17. Paid my Tax, today $28.72. Bor- 
 rowed $20. of the treasurer. Paid $13 to Wheeler, 
 $3. to Lathrop and $2. for Seeley's Catarrhal 
 snuff. 
 
 February 21. Was at home until 3 then went to 
 Bro. J. Beardsley's to select a suitable place for 
 baptism. Immersed Sister N. Fessenden at 4. 
 Preached at night on ' ' Christian Warfare. ' ' 
 
 February 23. Arose, this morning finding a 
 depth of snow of 3 or 4 inches. Continued falling 
 all day producing the heaviest fall of the winter. 
 
 February 28. The snow is leaving today and the 
 streams are rising very rapidly. 
 
 March 1. Eemained at Bro. Schellingers. The 
 streams are still rising. Preached at seven. 
 
 March 2. Visited Mr. Halm and lady. Found 
 them quite interested in the meetings. Had very 
 interesting interview and some encouragement 
 that they may embrace the truth. 
 
 March 4. Went to the meeting house at 11. Bro. 
 Exley read a part of Col. 3. commenting and para- 
 phrasing very profitably. I lodged at Bro. Gris- 
 wold's, he, at Bro. LemomVs. 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 57 
 
 March 5. Received of Bro. McAfee, $10. to be 
 applied on my buggy. 
 
 March 6. Learned that my wife is sick. Also that 
 I can not cross the Pecatonica on account of the 
 ice on the bottom. Got home late at night and 
 found Camelia some better. Found a letter from 
 David James, importuning me for money. 
 
 March 8. Subject of sermon, " Christ Has a 
 Kingdom Now that When He Comes There Will 
 Be No More Conversions, but Judgment or Re- 
 paying." 
 
 March 10. Paid J. L. Beardsley $10. on Pork. 
 
 March 15. Wm. Martin came to my house to see 
 about buying my farm. 
 
 March 16. Sold my farm to Wm. Martin for $20. 
 per acre. 
 
 March 19. Made a deed of my farm. Received 
 $1600. Paid for threshing machine, drill and tim- 
 ber land. 
 
 March 20. I am considering moving my family 
 to Platteville. 
 
58 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 March 21. Went to town to have bills of notice 
 of sale struck. 
 
 March 26. Bro. Narramore came to Bro. 
 Bridges where I was lodged and brought a request 
 for me to give a funeral discourse for Bro. Trot- 
 ter's son who had died at Orangeville. 
 
 March 27. Went to Orangeville and preached 
 the funeral of Bro. Trotter's son, a soldier. A very 
 large turnout. Bro. Narramore gave me $5 to put 
 in my pocket. 
 
 March 28. Four or five inches of snow fell in the 
 night. Ascertained that I can obtain $300. for 
 preaching at Fairfield. 
 
 April 2. My sale of personal property trans- 
 pired. Gave Benjamin $144. Gave David James 
 $160. 2 
 
 April 3. Mr. Parkinson lectured at night but the 
 meeting did not understand one another or the 
 subject, very well. 
 
 April 4. I, this day solemnized the marriage of 
 D. J. Hays and M. A. Olney. 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 59 
 
 Apeil 5. Was at home settling with men on sale 
 matters. 
 
 Apeil 7. Sylvanus Fessenden, debtor, for wheat 
 and goods bought at sale, $21.25. William Noble 
 borrowed of me $100. U. S. note due on it when he 
 got it making $102. 
 
 Apeil 9. Measured corn in the morning and 
 preached at night. 
 
 Apeil 11. Went to the Post Office and got three 
 letters. Paid out $80.80 in debts. 
 
 Apeil 12. Measured corn and oats. Pratt got 97 
 bu. of oats. 
 
 Apeil 14. Eeceived cash of Pratt and settled 
 with Judson Beardsley every thing up to this date. 
 
 Square. 
 
 Apeil 16. Went to Mineral Point to board the 
 cars for Waupun. Ed Noble went along to ride the 
 mare back as I left the buggy with Coterell to be 
 painted. Eeceived a letter from my wife. Lodged 
 at Bro. Arnold's at Warren. Left Will's note with 
 him. Paid, $1.50, fare to Warren. 
 
60 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 April, 17. Took the cars from Freeport to Wau- 
 pun, ($1.20). Paid Shutz $25. Paid from Freeport 
 to Minn. Junction, $4.60. Arrived at Waupun late 
 at night and went to Bro. Wagner 's to lodge. 
 
 April 18. Met with a number of the brethren at 
 a meeting to hear charges against Bro. Wagner. 
 Few brethren came, mostly sisters. Meeting ad- 
 journed for two weeks as there were no officers 
 present. 
 
 April 19. Went to Bro. Johnson's and had con- 
 sultation with him concerning the Waupun diffi- 
 culties. Got some encouragement that we might 
 have an unbiased committee from a distance. 
 
 April 21. Visited Sister Brown and found her 
 very bitter against Bro. Wagner. She consents to 
 a committee but offers no system by which to pro- 
 cure one. I lodged with Bro. Wagner. 
 
 April 22. Visited Bro. and Sister Hilyer in the 
 forenoon. Found them much disappointed with the 
 state of affairs at Waupun. Willing to refer to a 
 committee but Wagner must not be allowed to 
 preach, at present, at Waupun. Saw Bro. and Sis- 
 ter Stanton. No more prospect that Bro. Wagner, 
 in any event, should be allowed to preach. Got no 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 61 
 
 encouragement that a committee could produce 
 harmony. 
 
 April 24. Being very tired and upset over the 
 Waupun matter, I continued at Bro. Wagner's to 
 rest and reflect. 
 
 April 26. Bro. Johnson took me to Sister Lin- 
 sey's, one of the first members of the Waupun 
 church. She would confirm no facts against Br. 
 Wagner but did admit that she thought he was not 
 forebearing enough. Brother Johnson kept me for 
 the night. 
 
 April 28. Learned nothing further and received 
 no letters from any point. 
 
 April 29. Preached and broke the loaf. Had the 
 most disorderly conduct, in most warring and fac- 
 tious spirit, that I have ever witnessed from pro- 
 fessing Christians. Dismissed the meeting to stop 
 the discord, not being willing to be a party to such 
 conduct. Preached to a few, at the school at night. 
 
 April 30. Determined to remain on the ground 
 until after the contemplated meeting to try Bro. 
 Wagner, though remonstrated against by about 
 half of the church. I changed my purpose and 
 boarded the cars for home. 
 
62 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 May 1. Lent to Bro. Arnold my Mc. Garvey's 
 Commentaries on the Acts. 
 
 May 2. Still at the Point. Heard by letter, from 
 my wife. 
 
 May 4. John Beardsley paid me in full, all obli- 
 gations to this date. Heard by post from my broth- 
 er, D. R. Howe. His wife is dead. 
 
 May 6. Preached at Bethel at 11. Had a very 
 good hearing with good interest. A few young per- 
 sons showed some disrespect. 
 
 May 8. Took the cars to go to Illinois. Bought a 
 white-wash brush $1.25. Stopt at Warren at Bro. 
 Arnold's. Had a very good time. 
 
 May 9. Started on the cars. Paid out $4.70. Took 
 a freight car accommodation to the Junction. Ar- 
 rived at David James's late at night. Found my 
 family there and all well. Lodged with them. 
 
 May 11. Preached at 7. Tolerable audience for 
 the place. Saw Sister Mary Ann Sunderland and 
 A. Avcrill. 
 
 May 15. My brother Daniel came to my son's. 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 63 
 
 Had a visit with him but he would not preach. His 
 wife died recently. I immersed Hattie Howe. 
 
 May 17. I immersed six females and 4 males. 
 
 May 20. 17 were received into the church. Re- 
 ceived $10. donation and lodged at my son's. 
 
 May 21. Went to Princeton to take the cars for 
 home. 
 
 May 28. I was employed by the board for the 
 year as general missionary for the sum of $400.50 
 (at that rate per year). 
 
 May 29. Visited at James Noble's with old ac- 
 quaintances among whom were my mother, my 
 brother James and wife. 
 
 May 31. Arrived at Platteville at 3. Run around, 
 considerable, visiting. Ascertained, I can rent a 
 house of Mr. Lord. 
 
 June 1. Saw Patterson and bargained with him 
 for his house and land. At Mr. Lord's house until 
 I can get possession of the Patterson property. 
 
 June 2. Lodged at VanMatre's with Camelia. 
 Paid Wilson $20. on wagon for D. J. Howe. 
 
64 THE- DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 June 3. W. Olney confessed his faith and will 
 be baptised next Sunday. Possibly two of his 
 daughters with him. 
 
 June 4. Started home. Got medicine for my 
 Neuralgia. With my wife I visited Sister Van- 
 Matre. She is very poorly. 
 
 June 5. Continued at John VanMatres. A large 
 number of friends called to see his wife, who is 
 nearing the end. Lodged with him but got no rest. 
 
 June 6. Went to the grave yard to select a lot 
 for Bro. VanMatre. His wife died early this morn- 
 ing. Have a request to officiate at the grave with 
 religious ceremonies. 
 
 June 7. Quite the largest audience and proces- 
 sion, I have ever witnessed in the neighborhood. 
 It rained very hard during the services which were 
 of necessity, short. Bro. VanMatre bears up with 
 Christian fortitude. 
 
 June 9. Gave Harry $5. Paid Robinson for re- 
 pair job, $4.15. Got Wycliffc a hat for $1.25. 
 
 June 11. On this day I moved to Platteville. 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 65 
 
 June 12. Bought a stove and dishes (Queens- 
 ware). Paid $70. 
 
 June 13. Worked at filling in ground. Bought 
 bureau stand and chair for $25. 
 
 June 14. Visited some sick folks. 
 
 June 18. W. Olney paid his note. W. Fosgate 
 paid $19. on his note. $1. still due from Fosgate. 
 
 June 19. Bro. Carnes could only take one horse 
 to Waupun if that could be taken on the cars. 
 
 June 20. Paid to Bro. Wineman $30. on note 
 given in 1865. 
 
 June 24. Subject of discourse today, "The 
 Orthodoxy and Catholicity of Our Teaching." 
 
 June 25. Went to Wiota via Dr. Monroes and 
 stopt there to settle his bill. 
 
 June 26. With Bro. Griswold, I went to George 
 Hawley's to a barn raising. 
 
 June 27. Broke my buggy shaft. Stopt at three 
 
66 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 places before I found one where it was convenient 
 for me to dine. Dined at Bro. Schellingers. 
 
 June 30. Visited with Mr. Sargent. He is in 
 very poor health. Doubtful if he survives unless 
 there is a change for the better, soon. 
 
 July 1. Subject, "Superiority of Divine Disci- 
 pline over Human." Good attention and interest. 
 
 July 2. Eeceived of Sister Lemont $2, donation. 
 It rained on me all the way to McKahan's. 
 
 July 3. Bro. L. McKahan took me to Monroe to 
 the cars. My mare and buggy are to be sent to Bro. 
 Parks ' until I return from Waupun. Found the 
 difficulty at Waupun still unsettled. 
 
 July 5. Got my shoes mended. 
 
 July 6. Three of the committee on Waupun mat- 
 ters came. Bros. Noble Parks and Carnes. Bro. 
 Hays did not arrive. Could not ascertain if Bro. 
 Dean would come. 
 
 July 8. Preached at the Baptist house on the in- 
 vitation of the regular preacher. 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 67 
 
 July 9. I am at Bro. Wagner's sick. Can not 
 attend the meeting of the committee. The Da- 
 monde party refuses to recognize the committee 
 as having any authority at Waupun. Quite sick in 
 the night. Got some medicine of Dr. Randall. 
 
 July 10. A little better today. The committee 
 dined at Bro. Wagner's, thence to their adjourned 
 meeting. I have not attended any of their sessions 
 as yet. 
 
 July 11. I am called to Brandon to officiate at 
 the funeral of Bro. W. Irwin. Very large turn out 
 and good attention. Returned at night to find the 
 committee had succeeded very well in obtaining 
 testimony in the Waupun matter. 
 
 July 12. Went to the meeting house to be quali- 
 fied as to my testimony concerning the Waupun 
 trial. The testimony all received, the committee 
 spent the evening in examining and consulting on 
 it. They wrote out their decision and also added 
 a recommendation to the brethren at large. 
 
 July 13. Received $3.35 donation from the 
 church. They also gave me my expenses to Wau- 
 pun and back. Boarded the cars at 12, for home. 
 Went from Monroe to Bro. Parks 's. Lodged there. 
 
68 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 July 14. Got my mare and buggy and rode 
 home. Hauled B. Noble. 
 
 July 16. Arrived at home at y 2 after 4. Found 
 no one at home. They had gone to Bro. Jones 's. 
 Remained at home all night, alone. 
 
 July 17. Still at home all alone until noon when 
 Bro. Jones brought Camelia and the children. My 
 health is improved. 
 
 July 18. Sold to Bro. Smelker, a copy of bound 
 sermons for only 60cts, because they were torn. 
 
 July 20. Left for Bethel in the afternoon. 
 George Martin rode out with me. Arrived at 7 and 
 found Wm. Irwin there. I had not seen him in 32 
 years, but was well acquainted with him when 
 young in Ohio. He is acting as agent for Eureka 
 College. 
 
 July 21. Went to Mr. Crane's with carpet fill- 
 ing. Bro. Irwin rode with me and we had a good 
 visit all the way. 
 
 July 22. I invited Bro. Irwin to speak. Met at 5 
 to consider taking a scholarship in Eureka college. 
 Did nothing. 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 69 
 
 July 23. Sold Martin and Joseph VanMatre's 
 note to A. Weber. 
 
 July 24. Went home by Washburn and took 
 daughter Henrietta and her children home with 
 me. Arrived in the evening suffering acutely with 
 the Lumbago. All were well but very uncomfort- 
 able as the house has very poor ventilation. 
 
 July 25. Still unable to stand on account of my 
 back. Paid Patterson $200 on my place. 
 
 July 26. Back still lame. Henrietta and the chil- 
 dren went to the show. I went at night. 
 
 July- 28. Consulted with Bros. Irwin and Noble 
 on writing to all congregations in the state con- 
 cerning Benedict's operation against the commit- 
 tee on Waupun trouble. They advised me not to 
 write but if he came in my way, to expose him. 3 
 
 July 30. Went to Mineral Point via. Richland 
 Center. Continued to travel via. Dodgeville, 7 
 miles to Bro. Lutto's where I dined, thence to 
 Hearst's Ferry. Paid 50cts for crossing, thence to 
 Bank's on Pike River. Lodged there at a widow's. 
 
 August 1. Preached twice at the Bovee School 
 House, 
 
70 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 August 4. Paid $1. for a horse collar and $1.50 
 for a breeching. Visited most of the day and 
 preached at night. Five confessed their faith. 
 
 August 5. Immersed Bros. Jones, Davis and 
 Lester and Sisters S. E. Snyder and Priscilla 
 Cooper. Also Elizabeth Pritchett and Elizabeth 
 Mark. Lodged at Bro. Snyder's. I am very tired 
 and my back continues very lame. 
 
 August 8. Preached the funeral of Bro. Breeses 
 child at 11. Preached at the Bovee school at night. 
 
 August 10. Eegistered all collections, sermons 
 and additions up to this date. Lodged at Bro. and 
 Sister Mark's with old Bro. Eoss. 
 
 August 13. Received of L. Snyder $1. of Kate 
 Snyder $1. of old sister Jones .50. Lodged at Hezi- 
 kiah Jones. 
 
 August 14. Mended my harness, myself then 
 went to Wm. Shambaugh's. He was at work on 
 his hay. 
 
 August 15. Dined at John Higginbothan's and 
 preached at % after 5. Mostly brethren present. 
 Some, I had known since I was a child. 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 71 
 
 August 19. Preached at 11 to a large audience. 
 The Sugar Grove brethren drove over. Text 1 of 
 Timothy. Subject, " Conscience and Use of It 
 Lodged at Brother Coulter's. 
 
 ? i 
 
 August 21. I have not written to any one on any 
 subject on account of threatened opposition to 
 Missionary Society. Nor have I yet ascertained 
 its extent or form. 
 
 August 22. Brother Mullis came early to meet- 
 ing. He seemed glum and made no inquiries as to 
 my health or on any other subject. 
 
 August 23. Only one half dozen in attendance. 
 Bro. Mullis officiated and made known his object 
 in appointing a meeting. It is to, if possible, awak- 
 en interest in the brethren, get accessions and 
 finally to obtain a preacher to settle in their lo- 
 cality. I made a few timely remarks. 
 
 August 25. Have had no special interview with 
 Bro. Mullis on Missionary matters, yet can see 
 that the brethren, for some reason, are suspicious 
 of the Missionary Society. 
 
 August 26. Arrived at Bro. Boss's at 11. My 
 mare kicked me on the hip hurting me very much. 
 
72 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 Borrowed of Bro. Eoss $25. to be paid when I 
 come this way again. Crossed the river and lodged 
 at Bro. Lemont's. 
 
 August 29. Arrived at home. All well. My son 
 Ben and his wife were at my house. Ed. Fessen- 
 den and family have moved to Platteville. Paid to 
 Patterson on my place, $100. 
 
 August 30. At home all day sorely affilicted with 
 Diarrhea. Could not possibly get to the meeting 
 house at Georgetown. 
 
 August 31. After dinner, went to Georgetown 
 to annual meeting. Still have trouble with my bow- 
 el difficulty. Preaching was appointed for Bro. 
 Sweeney for 7 but he did not come to his appoint- 
 ment so I had to fill it, notwithstanding my ill 
 health. 
 
 September 2. Had a large collection at meeting, 
 
 $12.88. 
 
 September 3. Conversed at length with Bro. Ex- 
 ley on Waupun matters. I can not agree with him 
 at all on the subject. 
 
 September 7. Got $20 at the bank. Paid 0. Math- 
 ew in full of all demands. 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 73 
 
 September 8. Bro. Exley came on the stage. He 
 was not well and insisted that I preach. Small 
 audience. 
 
 September 11. Bro. Exley still unwell and I filled 
 his appointment. I drove back. It was very dark. 
 
 September 12. I am very tired so will stay over 
 night at Parmley's tavern. 
 
 September 13. Start to Sugar Grove. Ferried 
 the river and dined at T. Snyder's. Got no letters 
 from any point. 
 
 September 16. Preached to a large number. Text 
 1 of Acts. Presided at the Lord's Table. Preached 
 again at y 2 after 3. Text 1 of 1st Timothy. Dined 
 at Bro. Spurrier's. Alexander Smith confessed 
 his faith. Lodged at Bro. Hopkin's. 
 
 September 17. Called at Bros. Drake and 
 Smith's on my way to Bro. H. Davis's. After din- 
 ner went squirrelling ; got but one. Preached at 7. 
 Very good turn out. Text, "Paul's Charge to Tim- 
 othy." 
 
 September 18. Got $10. of Bro. Drake to send 
 home. Went up to the P.O. to send a letter and the 
 money. Did so. Preached at 3. Text 3 of Col. Mary 
 
74 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 Kendall and Mary Osborn confessed their faith. 
 Immersed three after preaching. Lodged at Bro. 
 Taylor's. 
 
 Septembee 19. Went to Bro. C. Bussel's and 
 found he had gone from home. Went to Bro. Z. 
 Smith's. Had some difficulty in explaining to him 
 what I meant by what I said about his manner of 
 expressing himself in conversation. 
 
 September 20. Conversed with Bro. Spurrier's 
 wife and mother in law on the difficulties in the 
 church. Went to Bro. Drake's. No one at home. 
 Went to Bro. Hopkin's till meeting. Lodged at 
 Bro. Hopkin's. 
 
 September 21. Preached on the text 5 of Ro- 
 mans. Too sick to make a long discourse. Lodged 
 at Bro. Drakes. 
 
 September 22. Suffering acutely with head ache. 
 Dined with Bro. Enlow and preached to a few in 
 his home. 
 
 September 23. One addition, today, from the 
 United Brethren and two from the Methodists, 
 (Bro. and Sister Wynn). 
 
 September 24. Went to Mr. Alexander's visit- 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 75 
 
 ing. Found M. Churchill there with severe tooth- 
 ache. She left to have tooth extracted but returned 
 before I left. Bro. G. W. Akins was there and I 
 had conversation with him. Went to meeting at 8. 
 Preached on the text 8 of Romans. A Norwegian 
 Methodist was present. 
 
 September 25. Talked with Bro. Akins but got 
 little satisfaction that a settlement could be ef- 
 fected and harmony restored. 
 
 September 27. Visited at T. H. Fairfield's in the 
 morning. Conversed on matters of difficulty in the 
 church and on what might be done to correct them. 
 
 September 28. Visited Bro. Enlow. Saw Bro. Z. 
 Smith on my way. Had an interview with him and 
 Bro. Enlow on the difficulties in the church; 
 preached at 7 to a good turnout. Text, 4th verse of 
 the 1st chapter of Peter. 
 
 September 29. Went up to Bro. L. C. Drake's 
 and mended my rubber boots for immersion. 
 Preached at 3 then immersed M. Churchill. Sister 
 Mary Churchill was received into the fellowship 
 of the church. Lodged with Bro. L. C. Drake. 
 
 September 30. The greatest number at the meet- 
 ing that we have had, thus far. We had three ad- 
 
76 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 ditions, 2 from the Baptists and one by relation. 
 Bro. Henthorn and wife and Sister Schell were re- 
 ceived into the fellowship of the church. Lodged 
 at Bro. Henthorn 's with Bro. Babb. 
 
 October 1. Lodged at Bro. Harry Hopkins's 
 suffering acutely with Catarrh and toothache all 
 the time. 
 
 October 2. Eeceived of Bro. Drake donation 
 from the Sugar Grove church. Visited at Bro. 
 Martin's after dinner and heard him and his wife 
 on their grievances. All they said showed jealousy. 
 He admitted that he might be mistaken as to the 
 intention of those he faulted. 
 
 October 3. Bro. Hopkins brought me two letters 
 from Bro. Wagner, remailed at Platteville on the 
 14th and 20th of Sept. I lodged at Bro. Merrill's. 
 
 October 4. Spent the morning writing letters; 
 one to Bro. Wagner, one to Bro. Noble and one to 
 Camelia, to be mailed tomorrow. Subject of dis- 
 course at 7, "The Setting Up of the Kingdom" 
 Text 1st of Acts. 
 
 October 5. Went to Bro. Iligginbothan's and 
 stayed until meeting time. Returned to Bro. Mer- 
 rill's for my books and notes. Text 2nd of 2nd 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 77 
 
 Timothy. Endeavored to show what was commis- 
 sioned to be preached by the Apostles and there- 
 fore by all preachers, until the Lord comes. 
 
 October 6. Sprinkled rain and threatened con- 
 siderably. Preached to a very large number de- 
 spite the weather. Lodged at old Bro. Merrill's 
 with Bro. J. Snyder and wife and three other wo- 
 men. 
 
 October 7. Quite a number out side of the house 
 as there were a goodly number at the service. 
 Dined at Bro. Twaddle's. Still a large hearing at 
 night. Elder Mark was present and took part in 
 the service. Took up a collection for missionary 
 purposes $9.43. 
 
 October 8. Still continue at Bro. Merrill's. With 
 him and Bro. Higginbothan, I consulted about the 
 difficulties and the coldness apparent with all. 
 Subject at night, "Kegeneration." Good interest. 
 
 October 9. Went to Dr. Sabin's and had quite 
 an interview with him on his aggrievances. He 
 thought I meant him by many things in my dis- 
 course, but said he was well pleased by my efforts, 
 in the main. To me, he seems to be selfish, arbi- 
 trary and bigoted. No prospect of union with him. 
 
78 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 October 10. Went to Bro. Babb's till after din- 
 ner and talked with him about an effort to restore 
 order at M. Creek. He is most anxious for it. An- 
 nounced the intention of appointing a meeting of 
 the brethren for consultation and orders. Lodged 
 at Bro. Merrill's. 
 
 October 11. Started to Bro. Coulter's. Met him 
 coming to Bro. Higginbothan's. Returned with 
 him and had consultation with them both about 
 the meeting for reconciliation. We concluded to 
 have the meeting tomorrow and published the ap- 
 pointment accordingly. 
 
 October 12. Went to the meeting at 2. All the 
 brethren but a few were present. Preached on the 
 subject, "The Letters to the 7 Churches in Asia." 
 After this, we succeeded in settling the difficulties 
 with Bro. Babb. Felowship was fully restored and 
 a certificate to that effect was given him, not one 
 opposed. I went home with him to lodge. 
 
 October 14. Several new hearers at the meet- 
 ing. Had a severe headache all day. Hoped to see 
 Bro. Merrill's son but he had gone before I 
 arrived. 
 
 October 15. Started for Richland Center and ar- 
 rived at 12. Learned that the United Brethren 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 79 
 
 were to hold their conference at the Bovee School 
 on Thursday and over Sunday so I concluded to 
 go home. Paid Bro. Snyder $20. ($5 still due). Got 
 me a bottle of Seeley's Catarrh Eemedy for $2. 
 
 October 16. Started home. Ferried the river and 
 dined at Parmley's. Arrived at home at 9 and 
 found my family all well. I was very tired. Paid 
 out $1. expenses. 
 
 October 18. I am at home. Bro. Exley came to 
 my house on the occasion of some letters between 
 himself and my wife concerning alleged hard feel- 
 ings he professes to have toward her and my fam- 
 ily. He would neither tell what he had heard or 
 who had told him and we had some very sharp 
 words and parted without reconciliation. 
 
 October 19. Went to Bro. Shaw's to see about 
 sheep skins. Took 2 more to be fixed. Paid him $2. 
 Saw a copy of a Chicago Paper and read B. F. 
 Butler's speech at Chicago. A very good thing. 
 
 October 20. Started to Mineral Point. Arrived 
 at Noble's late in the evening and lodged there. 
 Saw Walter Evans and dunned him but got no en- 
 couragement that he would pay me soon. 
 
 October 22. Gave W. Fessenden's and Turk's 
 
80 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 notes to Wilson for collection. Gave Levi Noble 
 Beaumont's note that he might get me a cow. Went 
 by E. Hall's and sold his son my timber land, for 
 $10. per acre. Stayed at Sylvanus Fessenden's all 
 night. 
 
 October 23. Stopt a few minutes at Bro. Le- 
 mont's and got to James Howe's before 8. It 
 snowed on me all the way, sometimes a perfect 
 storm of wind and snow. Lodged there. 
 
 October 24. Visited Ealph Hildebrant and Ab- 
 ner Howe for a few minutes. Took supper at Doc. 
 Stephenson's and lodged at James Howe's. 
 
 October 25. Snowed all night, a very wet snow. 
 I determined not to travel in it on account of my 
 ill health. 
 
 October 29. Came home from Bethel and found 
 my family as usual. Had a very hard spell of 
 Pleurisy all night. 
 
 October 30. Made a deed to E. J. Hall for tim- 
 ber land. Got $40 of Hodges. 
 
 October 31. Bro. Hall went with me to Darling- 
 ton. Could not find out certainly how the taxes 
 stood against my timberland. I gave him a deed 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 81 
 
 and he paid me $85. I gave him back $5 to pay 
 taxes. I traveled on and lodged at Bro. Lemont's. 
 
 November 1. After supper I went up to the 
 School House and found a few collected so I 
 preached a short discourse. 
 
 November 4. Started home to be at the election. 
 Paid McAfee $15. on note. 
 
 November 6. Started home via. Darlington and 
 arrived after 3. Voted the Republican ticket, 
 straight. Saw Turk on my way and asked him if 
 he had seen Fessenden and when he thought he 
 could pay me himself. Got little or no satisfaction. 
 
 November 7. Paid Hodges and Co. $40. and 50 
 cts for use. Bought goods at Washburn's to the 
 amount of $20. Bought a new parlor stove of Lane 
 and Co. for $16. 
 
 November 8. At home all day reading and re- 
 flecting. Read some in Scott 's ' ' Great Demonstra- 
 tion." 
 
 November 10. Went to Amos Hay's and left the 
 Turk and Fessenden notes with him to collect if 
 possible but not to sue. Lodged at Harry's with 
 my wife. 
 
82 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 November 12. Started to Richland Center via. 
 Monroe. My wife rode that far with me and then 
 she and my son Harry went home and I went on 
 via. Linden to E. Robinson's for snpper and I 
 lodged at Parmley's tavern. 
 
 November 13. Paid $1.25 for lodging and also a 
 former bill of $1. Started on via Avoka and paid 
 50cts. for ferriage at R. City. Saw a goodly num- 
 ber of the friends on the road and notified them of 
 the meeting. 
 
 November 14. At Bro. Ross's busy copying from 
 my diary the number of sermons, number of ad- 
 ditions and the collections. 
 
 November 16. At Bro. Davis's all day reading. 
 Text at night 1. Peter 1. Subject "The Church the 
 Temple of God." 
 
 November 17. At Brother Snyder's all day read- 
 ing the Holy Scriptures and studying the city 
 sought by Abraham whose builder and maker is 
 God. Lodged at Bro. Davis's. 
 
 November 19. Wrote several letters and went to 
 Richland Center and mailed them. Got my mail ; a 
 demonstration paper from Waupun. 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 83 
 
 Novembee 21. Eeceived of Sister Jones $1. of 
 Bro. J. B. Jones $5. Commenced snowing about 
 noon and snowed hard the balance of day. 
 
 November 25. Preached in the morning to a 
 large and interested group. Broke the loaf and im- 
 mersed Bro. J. Miller. Received a donation at the 
 meeting house of $22.50. 
 
 November 27. Started to Woodstock and arrived 
 at Bro. Nick's at % after 12. Took my dinner 
 there and continued until meeting time. Bro. Stew- 
 art came and we consulted about meeting as there 
 was no house at Woodstock suitable. Concluded 
 to meet at Spring Valley and commence Thursday 
 evening. Lodged at Bro. Nick's. 
 
 November 28. At Spring Valley. Saw Bro. T. 
 Gray and he promised to give notice of the meet- 
 ing and to help to prepare the house. Continued at 
 Bro. D. Householder's over night. 
 
 November 29. Considering the limited notice of 
 the meeting and the stormy weather, there was a 
 pretty good turn out at meeting. I am still at Dan- 
 iel Householder's. 
 
 November 30. Continued at Daniel Household- 
 
84 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 er's. Eead the Scriptures all day, concerning An- 
 gels and their work. The evidence that they are 
 the spirits of dead men is very strong. Tolerable 
 attendance and good interest, at night. Still lodg- 
 ing at Householder's. 
 
 December 2. Preached morning and night. Good 
 hearing both times. It rained going home at night 
 and was so dark that we could keep the road with 
 great difficulty. 
 
 December 3. Text 5th of Acts. Subject, "Paul's 
 Conversion, a Model Conversion!" Contrasted it 
 with the conversion of the Eunuch. But little in- 
 terest in the discourse. 
 
 December 5. Went to Bro. Coulter's on Mill 
 Creek. Received of his wife $3. to buy a shuttle 
 (must be with wheels). 
 
 December 7. Started to Pine River on foot. 
 Dined at Bro. Pinick's and then took supper at 
 Bro. Dillon's. Very good meeting, at night. Bro. 
 Householder lodged with me at Bro. Dillon's. 
 
 December 8. Brother Housholder visited with 
 friends until meeting time but I found him at the 
 school house when I arrived for meeting. I lodged 
 with a Methodist friend, Mr. Forster. 
 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 85 
 
 December 9. I went to hear the Methodist 
 preacher, but he insisted that I speak. I spoke on 
 "The Offices of the Spirit. " 
 
 December 11. At Bro. Rennick's until after din- 
 ner. Had a very good hearing at the meeting and 
 a collection of $2.25. Lodged at Bro. Ayer's, class 
 leader. 
 
 December 12. Returned to Spring Valley and 
 dined at Bro. Gray's. Got no letters from any 
 point or person and but little information concern- 
 ing the prospect of uniting the Woodstock and 
 Spring Valley brethren into one church. I think it 
 should be done, at any rate, it should be if the 
 cause here is to prosper. 
 
 December 13. Quite cold but light to travel. 
 Preached twice. 
 
 December 14. Appointed meeting for tomorrow 
 at Bro. Householder's as there is school in the 
 school house. 
 
 December 15. Preached at 11 at Bro. H's. The 
 brethren present, of which there were eleven, 
 agreed to constitute for the purpose of effecting a 
 union of the congregations. 8 confessed their faith. 
 
86 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 December 16. After service, I immersed Sister 
 Elanor Banta. Sister E. Banta was formally re- 
 ceived into the church. 
 
 December 17. Borrowed of T. Gray $25. to be 
 repaid when I return some time in January. Re- 
 ceived of B. D. Householder two Government 
 bonds, one for $100. and one for $50., both due in 
 next August and one coupon on each, yet. Got no 
 letters and no word from home. 
 
 December 18. Read McGarvey's Commentaries 
 on the Acts most of the day. 
 
 December 19. Found E. S. Fessenden at the P. 
 0. at Center. We visited at the tavern and he gave 
 me the news from home since I left. He had left 
 two weeks since yesterday. Preached at the Bovee 
 School, very few were out. I lodged with Bro. 
 Ross. 
 
 December 20. Saw Ed. at the tavern at Center. 
 Made arrangements to ascertain if I could take 
 my mare and buggy on the cars and the cost. 
 Preached to small number and lodged at Sister 
 Marks 's with old Bro. Ross. 
 
 December 21. Visited in forenoon at Cooper's 
 and in the afternoon at Mr. Krumbakcr's till meet- 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 87 
 
 ing. Returned to Bro. Coopers for my shawl. Went 
 to the school house and found the teacher there 
 determined to have a spelling school and acting 
 very ungentle-manly about it. I did not contend 
 with him but left after leaving an appointment for 
 tomorrow evening. 
 
 December 22. Went to the P. 0. Got nothing. 
 Learned that I can cross the river at the north of 
 Otter Creek. Received $5. donation for preaching. 
 
 December 25. Started from Bro. Glazier's at 
 Sextonville via. Lone Rock for home. Crossed the 
 river on the ice. The second team to cross on the 
 ice. Lodged at Dodgeville at the tavern. 
 
 December 26. Went home from Dodgeville via. 
 Mineral Point. Saw George Mathews in passing 
 and learned that he was in the old neighborhood 
 and that my brother James is dead. I concluded 
 to go out to Bethel and get Harry to go home with 
 me. 
 
 December 27. Brother Peter Noble promised to 
 go to see Harry and get him to go home with me. 
 In the evening he backed out and it was too late to 
 get him so I went back to Peter Noble's to lodge. 
 Harry came there, late and stayed with me. 
 
88 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 December 28. Left notes on Hays, Smith, Hut- 
 son and Fesseiidon with Peter Noble for collec- 
 tion. Received of him $10. Got a piece of beef of 
 Levi Noble. Started home via. Mineral Point and 
 arrived late. Found all well but little Will. He is 
 pretty sick. I am about worn out. Have the worst 
 cold, I have had for years. 
 
 December 29. At home reflecting and trying to 
 determine what is best for me to do in view of all 
 the facts before me. Paid Patterson on my place 
 $250. $5. to the butcher and deposited $5. to buy 
 pork. Little Will is very sick. Can not determine 
 positively what ails him but it approaches Diph- 
 theria, very much. 
 
 December 30. Little Will continues about the 
 same and I shall stay at home from meeting, with 
 him. However, if things were as they should be I 
 should certainly go to the Lord's house on his day. 
 No one came into the house but the doctor. 
 
 December 31. Will appears a little better. I went 
 up to town to get some things to surprise the chil- 
 dren with. Got a turkey roast (15 lbs) and had 
 three hogs dressed. 
 
 
1867 
 
 January 1. At home expecting to enjoy the tur- 
 key roast and rest. My catarrhal difficulty is very 
 bad for a few days. Doctor Welsh and wife came 
 and helped us to eat our turkey. Saw Mr. Lord. 
 He wants the balance of the rent on his house, 
 ($18). I promised to pay it next week to Dr. Welsh 
 for him. 
 
 January 2. Got my Sheep skins made into a 
 robe. Cost $1.25. The whole cost $5.75. Paid $3. for 
 1 dz. chickens. Had a great plenty of turkey left 
 from yesterday, for today. Heard that the small- 
 pox is spreading over town and that Mathews will 
 be on hand at the festival to prevent dancing. 
 
 January 3. Got a horse blanket to line my sheep- 
 skin robe. Cost $2.25. Saw Vernon about the inter- 
 est due me from Patterson. If Patterson does not 
 pay it, I must retain it out of the money due from 
 
90 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 me to Wm. Patterson. Saw about getting my mare 
 shod. It can be done tomorrow. 
 
 January 4. Promised Bro. Carries to come to 
 Georgetown before I go over the river again, as 
 soon as I return from the Point. He will get the 
 money from Bro. Prett 's if he must have it before 
 I can get it, but I will borrow it if I can. If not, I 
 will secure Bro. Carnes. 
 
 Januaey 5. Went to Bethel via. Mineral Point. 
 Ann Eliza went with me. Saw A. Weber and he 
 could not promise me money for the reason that 
 he had promised others. Saw W. Fessenden and 
 got small encouragement that he would be able to 
 pay his note soon. 
 
 January 7. Went to Levi Noble's and thence to 
 Peter Noble's. He had collected $5. on Smith's 
 note, but got nothing of Hays or Fessenden. Went 
 to W. Wilson's via W. Noble's. Got no encourage- 
 ment from W. Fosgate as to money. 
 
 January 8. Went to Marzolf 's. He was not pre- 
 pared to meet his note. It costs as much to collect 
 as to earn money. 
 
 January 9. Marzolf paid $148. on his note let- 
 ting Tory and Allen have it. They furnished him 
 
THE: DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 91 
 
 the money to pay me. Bro. Levi Noble promised 
 me $100. until the middle of Feb. 
 
 January 11. Paid $150. into the bank for Eobins 
 to be applied on the Patterson contract. Paid 
 Washburn $9.75 for pork. Let my son Harry have 
 $9.25 to pay for his books. 
 
 January 12. L. Patterson promises to see his 
 brother about a shuttle for weaving. Started to 
 Georgetown and traveled with great difficulty. The 
 greatest storm of the winter up to this time. 
 Lodged at Bro. Carnes. 
 
 January 15. Went home from Georgetown and 
 found all well. Sleighing is only middling and will 
 last but a short time unless more snow falls. 
 
 January 16. Received of Dr. J. J. Basye $25. to 
 give to his brother Seth to pay his taxes in Rich- 
 land County. A very cold day. Not ready to go 
 over the Wisconsin, yet. 
 
 January 17. Went to see Lawson's sleigh. Math- 
 er thought that he would not take $15. for it so I 
 gave up the idea of getting it. 
 
 January 20. After visiting around went to lodge 
 with Bro. N He is in great trouble about his 
 
92 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 wife Saniantlia. She seems determined to run 
 after M. L 
 
 January 22. Went afoot up to Center. Saw Bro. 
 James Snyder and he promises to see the citizens 
 about using the school house tomorrow. Saw Ed. 
 in town and told him about his family's coming 
 Thursday. He has no money. 
 
 January 23. Went to Bro. Jones's for my Bible 
 and hymn book. A large majority of the citizens 
 gave their consent in writing to holding meetings 
 in the school. I held a small meeting and preached 
 from Luke 16. Spoke on the rich man and Lazarus. 
 
 January 24. Finally found the key to my trunk 
 so I could get into it. Went to the tavern and 
 waited for the team fetching my daughter and her 
 children. It was night before they came. I went to 
 the meeting house and saw Bro. Parker. He did 
 not know anything of where the other team with 
 the family might be. 
 
 January 25. Snowed 6 inches last night and is 
 still snowing. Went back up to the tavern and 
 found W. Fessenden and Ed's family, all there 
 and well. The teams have to stay over today on ac- 
 count of the heavv roads. 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 93 
 
 January 27. After preaching, received a dona- 
 tion of Mr. Frieze of $2. of J. Moore $2.50 and of 
 Sister Snyder 50cts. Read for several hours "The 
 Eclipse of Faith." 
 
 January 28. Lodged at Bro. Jones. It was a very 
 cold night and I did not have sufficient covering. 
 Slept very little. 
 
 January 30. My mare got out of the lot at Bro. 
 Brent's and she gave me quite a chase before Bro. 
 Jones got her at Bro. Miller's. 
 
 January 31. Bought a cutter at Richland Center 
 for $6. Well satisfied that I did not take the one 
 for $15. Went back to Bro. J. B. Jones's and got 
 my trunk, robe and overcoat. Took them to Ed's 
 and left them until I return from Fondulac. He 
 will take his family to meeting tonight in the cut- 
 ter and tomorrow he will take me to Lone Rock. 
 
 February 2. Rode with the expressman at Cen- 
 ter, to Lone Rock. Paid $1.50. Took supper at Min- 
 nesota Junction, having had no dinner. Charges 
 75 cts. Paid 45cts for apples in the cars. Walked 
 all the way out to Bro. Grave's. 
 
 February 3. Went back to Waupun and stopt at 
 Sister Walker's. Found Bro. Wagner there and 
 
94 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 after having conversation with him, we went into 
 town to consumate a compromise of the Waupun 
 difficulties. Continued at Sister "Walker's until 
 the cars came in. 
 
 February 4. Left Sister Walker's after break- 
 fast for the cars at 8. Took a freight train accom- 
 modation car for Madison. Paid $4. fare and lOcts 
 for crackers. Left at 11 o'clock at night and ar- 
 rived at Lone Rock at three in the morning. Paid 
 45cts for supper. 
 
 February 5. Paid $1.50 for riding on the stage. 
 Got no letters from home or any other point. 
 
 February 6. Went to Jonas Shambach's and 
 found him somewhat better. Had a good visit with 
 him but when I came to leave, I was very much an- 
 noyed in that his hogs had got my nice new sheep 
 shin robe out of my cutter and torn it consider- 
 ably. 
 
 February^ 8. At Bro. Nick's all day. Learned 
 that Mr. Clark had got the district board to sign 
 an order forbidding the use of the school for 
 preaching. Went after meeting to Bro. Stewart's 
 and lodged with him. 
 
 February 9. Started to Spring Valley. Bro. 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 95 
 
 Stewart rode with me. Got my mare and buggy 
 and arrived at Bro. Gray's at 11. Preached to a 
 small number. House was very cold and uncom- 
 fortable. While at Br. Gray's I read Doolittle's 
 speech on Reconstruction. Lodged at Bro. House- 
 holder's. 
 
 February 10. Very full house, today. Text 5 of 
 Isaiah. Broke the loaf and returned to Bro. House- 
 holder's. Appointed to preach the funeral of old 
 Sister Pizer tomorrow. 
 
 February 11. Got $12. of Bro. F. Householder 
 for Br. Gray. Must get it back for Bro. House- 
 holder before I leave here. Three confessions of 
 faith, Mary and Ellen Nix and one name for- 
 gotten. 
 
 February 12. Agreed to preach at the Presby- 
 terian Meeting House on Fancy Creek Thursday 
 atl. 
 
 February 13. Earning considerable. Prospect of 
 losing the snow. I continue at Bro. D. H. While 
 there I read a book written by a soldier of the 2nd 
 Ohio. Name is Pettinger. It tells about his im- 
 prisonment. 24 of them were detailed to burn R. 
 R. bridges but were captured. 
 
96 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 February 14. Went to Fancy Creek to preach at 
 the Pres. House. Spoke on "The Eight Division 
 of the Word. " Good interest. Bros. Benton, Long 
 and Gilling from the United Brethren were there. 
 Had quite a conversation with them. They were 
 very much prejudiced against the Disciples and 
 very ignorant of their views. 
 
 February 16. Snowing and very blustery; very 
 slippery roads. Walked up to John Clark's and 
 took dinner with him. His father and Mr. Button 
 were there. Returned to Bro. Householder's. 
 Roads excessively bad. Appointed preaching at 
 Woodstock at 2, when the candidates would be 
 immersed. 
 
 February 17. Preached at the Spring Valley S. 
 H. then went to Woodstock and attended to the 
 immersion of Mary and Ellen Nix, Rachael Pack, 
 Emma Clark, Sister Spring, John Totten and 
 D. S. Householder. 
 
 February 18. Went to Bro. Merrill's to see his 
 brother Joseph who is very low with the consump- 
 tion. His father and mother and several others 
 were there and we had prayer together with them. 
 
 February 19. Went to prayer meeting with the 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 97 
 
 family of D. Householder. We had social, worship, 
 prayer and exhortation until meeting time. 
 
 February 20. Closed the meeting at the valley 
 but shall remain over tomorrow to immerse 7 can- 
 didates. One confession, S. Copenhafer. 
 
 February 23. Went to Willis Breeses. He got my 
 mare shod for me and paid $1. for it. After dinner 
 took the cutter to Bro. Jones 's and got my buggy. 
 
 February 24. Preached at the Bovee School. 
 The church resolved to pay $200 for one year for 
 preaching. 
 
 February 25. Bro. T. Snyder thought that I 
 could get $100. of Shambach so we went to see 
 him. Got nothing but a tirade of abuse. 
 
 February 26. Started home and got to the river 
 but could not cross at R. City but heard that I 
 could cross at Orion. So I returned to Bro. Glaz- 
 ier's. He thought that he could get me some money 
 of Dr. McCollum. We went to see the doctor but 
 he was short of money. We then went to see Mr. 
 Hardenburgh and he let me have $100. to be paid 
 April 15 unless he does not want it, then. 
 
 February 27. Started home the second time and 
 
98 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 went to Hearst's ferry and crossed on the ice. 
 Came by Avoca and Franklin and arrived at home 
 at about sun-down. Found all well and a letter 
 from Bro. Exley. 
 
 February 28. At home all day attending* to busi- 
 ness and reading*. Paid into the bank $100. This 
 makes $1000 paid on my place. Settled with the 
 Washburn boys and owe $135.40. 
 
 March 1. Saw Bro. Smelker and conversed with 
 him, on the trouble in the Platteville church. He 
 seems to wish all things made right and to have 
 the cause to prosper in Platteville. I certainly do 
 not wish to prevent it but to aid in having the 
 cause built up here as well as every where. 
 
 March 4. Heard by Bro. Barstow that Bro. 
 Carnes wished me to come to Georgetown, so I 
 went in the afternoon. He proposes to have a 
 board meeting and to have Bro. Exley to account 
 for his complaints against me and others, also to 
 settle with him for last and to employ him again 
 for this year, if it can be done. I also received in- 
 telligence that I can get enough money for my im- 
 mediate needs of a man at Jamestown. 
 
 March 5. After dinner I went to the P. O. for 
 
 
THE, DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 99 
 
 the news. Read President Johnson's Veto mes- 
 sage, in my opinion, very sophistical and absnrd. 4 
 
 March 6. Started for Bethel via. Mineral Point. 
 Got $100. at the Platteville bank. My mare took 
 the colic at the Pecatonica so I drove through the 
 Point without stopping. Got to Levi Noble's at 4. 
 She seemed some better but would not eat so I 
 stayed there over night. 
 
 March 7. My mare is improving slowly. Bro. 
 Smith paid $100. on his note but Levi agreed to let 
 me keep the $100. 1 borrowed of him until the first 
 of May. 
 
 March 8. My mare appears better and took 
 some oats. I went to Bro. A. Hays to see about the 
 C. Noble note. He had gone for a load of wood. 
 Samantha Noble was there. I paid to Amos Hayes 
 $89. as administrator of C. Noble estate. 
 
 March 9. Did not start home but remained at 
 James Noble's all day. Advised with the Elders 
 in the William and Samantha case. 
 
 March 10. Advised Samantha in her dif- 
 ficulty with her husband. 
 
 March 11. Saw Bros. James Noble, Powell and 
 
100 THE, DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 Wm. Noble and offered them council and advice 
 as to the investigation and trial of the "Wm. and 
 
 Samantha case. After dinner I went to Bro. 
 
 George Lieurance 's and f onnd that Aunt Priscilla 
 is very sick. 
 
 March 12. Called a few minutes at Bro. Henry 
 Schellinger 's and found Levi Noble there. Got a 
 subpoena for Harry. Arrived home at 8 and 
 served it. 
 
 March 14. Learned that Bro. Clark failed to get 
 the money for me at Georgetown. Stayed over 
 night with him. Camelia was with me. 
 
 March 16. Saw a letter from Bro. Exley to Bro. 
 Noble in which he charges me with slandering him 
 where and when I choose. In what it consists he 
 does not say but he refuses to recognize me as a 
 fellow laborer or as a Christian. Went to the board 
 meeting and after finishing the business, I got Bro. 
 Exley to make a statement of his troubles before 
 the brethren and succeeded in getting a reconcilia- 
 tion to the gratification of all present. 
 
 March 17. Preached at 2, to a good turnout. I 
 invited Bro. Exley to participate and preside at 
 the Lord's table. 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 101 
 
 March 19. At home. Arranged business with 
 Washburn. I must make an effort to send them the 
 money next week, if possible. Saw Bro. Smelker 
 and did all I could with reference to matters in 
 which he has connection. 
 
 March 20. Paid Gear $1. for mare. Wrote a let- 
 ter to Goodspeed in Chicago and attended to other 
 pressing business. Received a circular from How- 
 ard Chatten in Philadelphia. Determined to start 
 to Richland Center tomorrow. Went to prayer 
 meeting and Bro. Parker united with the church. 
 But few were in attendance but a good spirit pre- 
 vailed. 
 
 March 21. Started to Richland Center. Mr. Pot- 
 ter w r ent with me and took a load of plows. I called 
 at John Lemon's and stayed over night. Sold him 
 a copy of HartzelPs Sermons on the covenants for 
 only 20cts because it was torn. 
 
 March 22. Continued on my journey to R. C. 
 Crossed the river on the ice most of the distance. 
 The channel was open so I got off the ice into a 
 boat and crossed. Arrived at Ed's in good season. 
 Roads north of the river very muddy with plenty 
 of snow. Sleighs used mostly on the prairy. Lodged 
 at my daughter's. 
 
102 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 Maech 23. Read Campbell and Owen's debate. 
 Saw Bro. James Snyder but learned nothing in 
 particular. 
 
 March 24. Snow fell in the night to a depth of 
 four inches. Mud and snow make awful roads. 
 Preached at the Bovee schoolhouse. Text 4 of 11 
 Cor. Small congregation but larger than I ex- 
 pected as the roads were nearly impassable. Re- 
 ceived of Eliza Snyder $1., of Wm. Starkey 50cts 
 and of Catherine Snyder $1. 
 
 Maech 26. Continued at Bro. Ross 's on account 
 of the stormy weather. Snowed hard all day and 
 continued into the night ; perhaps a fall of 8 to 10 
 inches. Read Dr. T. Dick, some, also some of Dr. 
 Gunn's writings, the S.S. Papers and the news. 
 Sent J. B. Snyder to town for some tobacco and 
 snuff. 
 
 Maech 27. Still snowing. Arrived at Ed.'s be- 
 fore breakfast and found all well. He put up my 
 mare and I concluded to stay until tomorrow, then 
 go to Mill Creek. Borrowed $50. of Bro. H. Jones 
 and sent it to Washburn in a draft on Milwaukee. 
 Went Ed's security to Bro. W. D. S. Ross for one 
 year. I got $18. of it from Ed. for what I paid to 
 move his family to R. C. Sent $15 of it, in a letter 
 to Camelia and put the rest in my pocket. 
 
the: diary of a CIRCUIT RIDER 103 
 
 March 31. Attended the social meeting at 10. A 
 number of the brethren participated. Went to Bro. 
 Merrill's for dinner and to see his sick son. 
 
 April 1. Went to Sugar Grove arriving at 10. 
 Dr. Sabin came along to Bro. Enlow's. Bro. 
 Smith 's boy rode with me and we found plenty of 
 snow on the ridge. Bro. Enlow is thought to be 
 mending slowly. Went on to Bro. Drake's and 
 found him recovering slowly from a hard spell of 
 sickness. 
 
 April 2. Preached at 7 to a tolerable audience, 
 mostly young persons. Many kept away by sick- 
 ness and to nurse those who were sick. 
 
 April 3. Worked most of the morning helping 
 Bro. Hopkin's doctor his sick horse. It got well. 
 After dinner, I intended to go to Bro. Enlow's but 
 it set in to rain. Continued to rain until in the 
 night so the meeting disappointed. Went over to 
 Bro. Z. Smith's and stayed over night. 
 
 April 4. Snowing this morning and had snowed 
 all night. Very disagreeable weather and bad 
 roads, water snow and mud. Started the meeting. 
 The church had appointed (if possible) to effect 
 a reconciliation of the difficulties, when together. 
 The brethren called me to the chair and I sue- 
 
104 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 ceeded in getting the brethren to covenant to- 
 gether to drop the past differences and begin 
 anew. The Elders to resign and all, in the future, 
 to strive in love for each others welfare and use- 
 fullness, and to forgive the past. Had a good order 
 and a fine spirit, throughout. 
 
 April 5. Bro. Enlow is in some respects, much 
 worse and has sent for a new doctor. I went, after 
 breakfast to see Sister Aikens and found her, in 
 my opinion, in the last stages of Consumption and 
 not long for this world. Went to Bro. Spurrier's. 
 He came in for dinner but had to return to work in 
 the sugar camp. Heard Bro. Enlow was better 
 after the new doctor got there and operated. 
 
 April 6. Went to see Bro. H. Davis's sugar 
 works. He was just preparing to commence opera- 
 tions. Middling turnout at meeting. 
 
 April 8. Clear, but has snowed at least 8 inches. 
 The deeds executed by the Governor were not 
 valid and may have to be changed. 
 
 April 9. Determined to go to New Brookville 
 and Viroqua, so started and got to the Kickapoo. 
 Found the planks taken off the old bridge and the 
 new one not completed, but by scaffolding, got the 
 mare on and off the new one. Lifted the buggy on 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 105 
 
 and off so I could travel on. Arrived at Bro. Wil- 
 liam's late in the evening, completely spent. 
 
 April 10. Finally learned the name of the flying- 
 shuttle maker. 
 
 J. W. Jackson and Co., 
 Philadelphia, Penn. 
 
 April 11. Continued at Bro. William's reading 
 all I could find to read. He had some papers, re- 
 ligious and political. Also read some in the Holy 
 Scriptures. Immersed Sister Williams, Dr. Sa- 
 bin's daughter. 
 
 April 12. Went to look for a place for immer- 
 sion with several others. Found a place by mak- 
 ing a small dam. At 10 we concluded to attend to 
 the immersion before preaching as the water was 
 rising and very muddy. 
 
 April 15. At Bro. Joshua Lieurance's. Have con- 
 siderable headache. Found the roads very bad; 
 rained all forenoon. Has grown somewhat cooler 
 and appears more like clearing off. Received 
 $13.50 at the meeting. Lodged at Bro. Stiles. 
 
 April 16. Went to Bro. Philip Biddison's and 
 found his wife some better. Had considerable con- 
 versation concerning difficulties and think a recon- 
 
106 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 ciliation might be effected. Started to Viroqua via. 
 Bro. Williams and got my hand trunk. Put out my 
 mare and went to meeting. A very respectable 
 audience. Had an introduction to Mr. Radcliff, who 
 appeared quite friendly. 
 
 April 17. At Bro. Dawson's. Read Beecher's 
 "Royal Truths," and Hartzell's sermons on the 
 covenants. The Methodist preacher was present 
 at the meeting and I had an introduction to him. 
 
 Ar-RiL 18. Called at Bro. Priest's. He was not in 
 and his wife was not well so I determined to visit 
 others until it was convenient for her to have com- 
 pany. Went to call on Bro. Addy but he had gone 
 out to his farm. I then called on several of the 
 brethren in their offices. Lodged at Bro. Rusk's. 
 
 April 21. Preached on the subject, "Salvation" 
 Towit, the Gospel the power of God unto salvation 
 to every one that believeth. Elder Radclifr was 
 present and participated in prayer and the Lord's 
 table. He made some very appropriate remarks 
 and expressed gratification in participating with 
 us and hearing my discourse. In the evening it 
 rained so hard that the house was not lighted up. 
 
 April 22. Borrowed $50. of Bro. Davis and gave 
 
THEi DIARY OP A CIRCUIT RIDER 107 
 
 him my note. Got my mare and buggy and left for 
 N. Brookeville. Arrived at Bro. Stiles in time for 
 supper. It snowed hard on me all the way. I lodged 
 with him. 
 
 April 23. I gave up starting to Sugar Grove on 
 account of the weather. Went to the funeral of a 
 little child thence back to Bro. Stiles. He had to 
 go to Viroqua, but I lodged at his house. 
 
 April 24. Still quite an amount of snow on the 
 ground but prospect that it will be gone in a few 
 hours, but threatens to rain or snow some more. 
 Oiled my buggy springs to be in readiness for 
 starting out. Catarrh worse than usual. Started at 
 y 2 after 8 for Sugar Grove. Crossed the Kickapoo 
 at Reedstown, on the bridge ; no trouble. Brother 
 Smith's women folks were not at home so I dined 
 at Bro. Drake's, and continued until evening, my 
 mare being quite lame. 
 
 April 25. My mare is no better but I must travel 
 her if I can. Got 16 lbs. of maple sugar of R. Drake 
 ($3.20). Got 3 yards of cloth of Z. Smith ($5.70). 
 Arrived at Bro. Merrill's and found two letters 
 one from Camelia and one from Goodspeed. Trav- 
 eled on to Richland Center, my mare getting worse 
 all the way. Could scarcely travel her. Got another 
 
108 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 letter from home, written before the first one. 
 Bonght a bottle of Gargling Oil for my mare. 
 
 Apeil 26. Received of Bro. Priest $5. for ser- 
 vices at Viroqna. Attended court in order to see 
 men with whom I had business. Saw none of them. 
 Heard the speech of Judge Cothren in the assault 
 and battery case. 
 
 April 27. Ground frozen sufficient to bear team. 
 Attended the court. Heard the court charge the 
 jury in the Hazeltine and Kronskop case and also 
 heard the verdict of the jury. They found for the 
 plaintiff. $10. Had a lengthy interview with Col. 
 Cobb and had an introduction to Judge Mills and 
 Judge Noggle. Heard Elder Walworth request 
 Col Cobb to sign a paper concerning the action of 
 the Co. Commissioners in which he and Hazeltine 
 are at loggerheads. I believe he -will surely destroy 
 himself in K. County. 
 
 April 28. Received a donation at the service 
 from the children, present, $2.05. The church 
 elected Bros. Basye and Ross, elders. 
 
 April 29. Paid H. Johnson, in Center $31. on a 
 $50 note. Started home and had to go to Orion to 
 cross the river, the wind was so high. Paid for 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 109 
 
 ferriage 35cts. My mare improved some in travel- 
 ing. Lodged at Parmley's tavern. 
 
 May 1. Looked around some and attended to 
 business some. Gave Harry $10. to buy vest and 
 pants. Engaged a man to plow my lot. Eead most 
 of the afternoon in "The Handwriting of God." 
 
 May 2. Ground still will bear team. Paid and 
 settled with Hodges in full, up to this date, then 
 borrowed $50. of him. 
 
 May 3. Plowed the garden and spaded between 
 the currant bushes. Burned the grass on part of 
 the ground to be plowed. Picked the brush and 
 stumps off of it. The man who is to plow it came, 
 but could not use the plow he had. He went off for 
 another and it rained so he did not come back. 
 Bro. Nichols came after his children who were 
 visiting at my place and I got $5. of him. Angeline 
 Schellinger came to go to the other district to 
 teach. Got a letter from Bro. Trimble requesting 
 me to go to Princeton to take the oversight of the 
 church there. 
 
 May 4. Bought 50 pound sack of flour, $3.50. 
 Levi and Bro. Nichols advise me to go to Prince- 
 ton. 
 
110 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 May 5. Preached at Platteville, but without pre- 
 vious appointment so but few were in attendance. 
 
 May 7. The man who was to plow my ground 
 came with his son just as I was leaving home. I 
 promised to give him his pay as soon as I return. 
 The ground was frozen hard and white with frost. 
 
 May 8. I was at the court this morning listening 
 to the lawyers pleading the Hill trespass case. 
 Hill lost his case getting only $9. for the breaking 
 of his door. 
 
 May 9. Went to Sextonville to see Bro. Glazier 
 and Thomas Snyder about the money they bor- 
 rowed of me. Made arrangements to have it paid 
 after annual meeting. Got some little encourage- 
 ment that I could get $50. from J. Starkey to send 
 in a draft home. Bro. J. B. Jones gave me the en- 
 couragement. 
 
 May 10. Went to Bro. J. B. Jones for my mare 
 and buggy but was disappointed in the money 
 matter. Saw Bro. J. Moore and his sister just 
 from Indianna. Crossed John at Bowen's mill. 
 Saw him on a load of hay. 
 
 May 11. Ground frozen and white with frost. 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 111 
 
 Shall go to a funeral at the United Brethren house, 
 maybe. Did go. Mabbie preached the discourse; 
 rather a poor thing. Preached myself at the school 
 house on the ridge. 
 
 May 13. Rained some this morning. Concluded 
 to go trouting. Got but few. Got of Bro. Totten $1., 
 of D. Householder $1. and of the church $3. by the 
 hand of Franklin Householder. 
 
 May 14. My daughter Henrietta Fessenden gave 
 birth to a daughter this morning. 5 
 
 May 16. Quite sick last night and had but little 
 inclination for food this morning. Greased my 
 buggy in readiness for starting out. 
 
 May 17. Quite a heavy frost last night but clear 
 this morning. Prospect of pleasant weather. Bro. 
 J. B. Jones promised to do what he could to pro- 
 cure some money for me at Richland Center. 
 
 May 18. Was in town until after dinner looking 
 after brethren to collect money but got none. Went 
 to Bro. W. D. S. Ross and made arrangements to 
 get $50 until after the annual meeting. Will send 
 it to him in a draft. Lodged for the night with him. 
 
112 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 May 19. Preached at the Bovee School and re- 
 ceived a donation of $8.25. 
 
 May 20. Started home via. Orion and called in 
 at Bro. Jones's. He gave me $5. Took dinner at 
 Parmley 's tavern and it rained on me all the way 
 to Bro. Lemon's. Stayed there all night. 
 
 May 21. Kaining this morning and very cold 
 with high wind so I can not travel. Rain ceased at 
 7 so I started home. Got there in good season and 
 found all well. 
 
 May 22. Went to the annual meeting in after- 
 noon but could not have a meeting on account of 
 no Quorum. 
 
 May 23. The president Bro. Wagner arrived but 
 still no Quorum. Bro. Exley assumed the authority 
 and appointed a meeting for preaching for himself 
 for tomorrow. 
 
 May 25. Met at 9. No quorum. Did no business 
 but adjourned leaving the officers to hold over and 
 settle up the business of the society and to appoint 
 a place for the next annual meeting. Bro. Exley 
 called up the difficulties at Waupun, proposing to 
 have the decision of a committee but the brethren 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 113 
 
 resolved to have nothing further to do with the 
 matter. 
 
 May 27. Bro. Challen and Bro. Alwort got the 
 Waupun members together and induced them to 
 settle their difficulties amicably to the great grati- 
 fication of all present. 
 
 May 30. Took the cars for Princeton. Took a bus 
 for Bro. Eadcliff's but he was in the act of mov- 
 ing so I went to Bro. Elliot's. Saw a Mr. TafTe 
 whom I had not seen since 1834. Knew him at a 
 distance, on sight. His manner is very much the 
 same as when I was formerly acquainted with him. 
 
 May 31. Visited all forenoon with Bro. Taffe at 
 Bro. Trimble's where I lodged. 
 
 June 1. Eained all day. Went to the Meeting 
 house in Princeton and talked some to the few who 
 came. 
 
 June 3. Talked further with Bro. Wm. Trimble 
 on the possibility of my locating in Princeton. 
 Lodged there with a traveling Peddler. 
 
 June 4. Visited at Bro. McElwain 's all day with 
 his wife and daughter. They planted corn with a 
 
114 THE DIARY OP A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 new planter. Went to my son David Jame's. He 
 does not like the prospect of farming where he is, 
 so he has not planted his corn yet. 
 
 June 5. After conversation with me last night, 
 David James marked out his corn, this morning. 
 He and his family took me to Lupertown to meet- 
 ing. 
 
 June 7. Spoke to Mr. Radcliffe about his house 
 in Princeton, if I should decide to locate there. It 
 is a pretty good place and he wants $10. per 
 month. Only ten were at the meeting at night. 
 
 June 10. Ran around to several places before 
 dinner which I took with Bro. Trimble. Preached 
 a funeral discourse. Did not have previous ac- 
 quaintance with the man. 
 
 June 12. Went to Bro. Elliot's after my hand 
 trunk and shawl. Consulted further on my locat- 
 ing at Princeton. Concluded to call a meeting on 
 the subject. Lodged at Bro. Crossley's. Bros. El- 
 liot, Crossley and Taylor agreed to be responsible 
 for the whole sum and to get what they could from 
 other churches to be credited to them. Paid 90cts 
 to Mendota. $3.40 to Lena. Stopt and visited Br. 
 Dr. Narramore and remained over night. Had a 
 most enjoyable visit. 
 
THE DIARY OP A CIRCUIT RIDER 115 
 
 June 13. Dr. Narramore took me over to see my 
 mother. We started before sunrise in order to re- 
 turn in time to take the cars in the evening. Gave 
 Mother $7. Collected $10. of Ed. on his note so set- 
 tled a doctor bill, of Mother's with Dr. Narra- 
 more, ($6.50). 
 
 June 15. Boarded the cars for Mineral Point. 
 Paid 85cts fare and 35cts for dinner. Saw Levi No- 
 ble in town and rode out to his house with him and 
 lodged. Paid him $15, borrowed money. 
 
 June 16. Preached at Bethel at 11 and in the 
 evening. 
 
 June 17. Saw Bro. Wm. Noble at Levi's and 
 spoke to him about his installment of membership 
 in the society. He replied quite curtly that he could 
 settle it one way as well as another, if he wanted 
 to. I said no more to him about it. Gave Levi No- 
 ble $5. which makes $30. I have paid him on his 
 note. Received $1 each from H. and M. Cox. 
 
 June 18. Went to Wm. Martin's to see him 
 about damages to road. He pretends to have un- 
 derstood he was to have the damages awarded to 
 me but I know I never sold him the damages. I 
 told him that when we had told our stories to some 
 able lawyer, and if he should decide it was justly 
 
116 THE DIARY OP A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 his, I would pay him. Saw John Beardsley and he 
 promised me some money, soon. Saw Bro. Wm. 
 Noble but could get no money from him. Saw Bro. 
 VanMatre but got no encouragement of money. 
 Finally got $15. of John Beardsley, for two weeks. 
 
 June 19. Started home via. the Point. Got $30. 
 of Curry, to be paid in two weeks. Got home after 
 dinner and paid Hodges $50. I then borrowed $10. 
 of him. Got a lengthy letter from Princeton and 
 determined not to go there to locate. 
 
 June 26. Bro. Parks went with me to Center and 
 we arrived at Parmley's late in the evening. Took 
 dinner at C. Minert's. Saw and witnessed his 
 daughter Statira, read in the Bible, after the deaf 
 and dumb system, with her fingers. 
 
 June 27. Settled with the board at Bro. Dean's 
 $244.71% due me for which I received an order on 
 the treasurer. 
 
 June 28. Started to Fairfield to see Bro. Berry 
 and borrowed of him $10. Stopt at W. J. Brought- 
 on's and paid him $30. Lifted my old note and 
 gave him a new one. 
 
 July 1. Went to Bro. J. H. Bridges'. After find- 
 ing a suitable place for the immersion of two can- 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 117 
 
 didates, Bro. Berry and I went to Bro. Miller's 
 and dined. Helped to catch a swarm of bees. At 
 the evening meeting, two who had been Method- 
 ists, came forward and requested immersion. 
 
 July 4. Could not get my mare shod at Monroe. 
 Got no money of Bro. Parks but he promises to 
 send it soon. 
 
 July 5. Rained so hard I did not get away from 
 Bro. Parks. Disappointed in that he did not pay 
 me. 
 
 July 6. Published an appointment to preach at 
 the School House tomorrow. 
 
 July 7. Saw Bro. McAfee and learned that Bro. 
 Mullis had gone off without paying him. He is not 
 at all satisfied about it. He owes him $125. and in- 
 terest on $200. for 2 years. 
 
 July 9. Stopt at Bro. Geo. Lieurances but his 
 wife said they were expecting his brothers E. and 
 Robert, so she could not keep me. 
 
 July 10. Learned Geo. Lieurances brothers did 
 not arrive so I went back there to lodge. 
 
 July 14. Preached a funeral discourse on the 
 
118 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 occasion of the death of old Bro. Evans. Borrowed 
 $10 of John VanMatre. 
 
 July 16. Started home. Sister Nancy Wilson 
 went with me for a visit. 
 
 July 18. At home all day searching the Scrip- 
 tures and reading the news. I let Sister Nancy Wil- 
 son take the Mare and buggy to go gooseberrying. 
 
 July 19. Borrowed of the bank of Hodges $100. 
 for sixty days. 
 
 July 20. Went to Bethel and took Sister Wilson 
 home after a most enjoyable visit. 
 
 July 22. Went to Eichland Center via. Mineral 
 Point, Hearst's Ferry and Sextonville. Arrived 
 after sundown. Paid to Sister Glazier, $50 on the 
 $100 I got of Bro. Glazier. 
 
 July 31. At Bro. D. Householder's all day. In 
 the evening, his daughter A. H. was united in Holy 
 matrimony to J. Norman. 
 
 August 3. Preached on the subject, "Christ as 
 a Teacher, a Necessity on Account of Man's Con- 
 dition in Sin and Ignorance. ' ' 
 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 119 
 
 August 5. Went up to the store and visited with 
 quite a number of the citizens. Preached at 6. 
 Lodged with Bro. Ammerman. 
 
 August 6. Still at Bro. Ammerman 's. I am of 
 the opinion that a number quite sufficient to con- 
 stitute a church, will come together for that pur- 
 pose. 
 
 August 7. Appointed a meeting for tomorrow 
 when I promise to give an opportunity for all to 
 come together, who wish for the purpose of or- 
 ganizing to keep the ordinances as delivered by 
 the Apostles. 
 
 August 10. Worked at clearing a place in the 
 grove for preaching and preached there at 5. 
 
 August 11. Delivered a funeral discourse for J. 
 
 Merrill which v 
 
 Higginbothan's. 
 
 Merrill which was well received. Lodged at Bro. 
 
 August 12. Preached to a middling turnout. Re- 
 ceived of the church $2.35. Received of Sister 
 Babb 50cts donation for labor at the above meet- 
 ing. 
 
 August 13. Started for R. Center. Arrived at 
 Bro. Joseph Householder's. He is very poorly. In 
 
120 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 my estimation, in an advanced stage of Consump- 
 tion. David Householder had been in my neigh- 
 borhood but had not seen or heard of my family. 
 
 August 14. Forgot my shawl at Bro. Stewart's. 
 Saw Bro. Basye and learned that Bro. J. Snyder 
 is circulating what is not true concerning Mill 
 Creek, detrimental to employing an evangelist. 
 Must correct him sharply. 
 
 August 15. Went to the tavern to get my mare 
 and buggy to go to Bro. Ross's, but feeling very 
 unwell, I gave it up and went to Ed's to lodge. 
 Saw Bro. Basye. His folks and self have to sit up 
 with the sick every night so they could not attend 
 meetings if they were appointed. 
 
 August 16. Went to old Sister Boss's intending 
 to go on but I was detained to deliver a funeral 
 discourse, on the account of the death of Mr. 
 Hay's child. The leading Spiritualists were all 
 there. 
 
 August 18. Elder Tuttle preached and I fol- 
 lowed with remarks endeavoring to correct or sup- 
 ply arguments confirming his positions. Attended 
 to the Lord's Supper. 
 
 August 20. Started home via. R. City, Avoca 
 
 
THE, DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 121 
 
 and Eichland, taking Henrietta and the children 
 with me. Paid 50cts ferriage and rested a while 
 at Parmley's. Got some tea, there, to use with our 
 cake and pie. Got to Ellsworth's but they would 
 not keep us so I was obliged to pay $1.50 at the 
 tavern. 
 
 August 23. Got two sacks of flour of Washburn, 
 $4.50. Got the mare shod 40cts and got a sack of 
 oats of S. Barstow. Sister Young rode with me. 
 
 August 24. Went to Bro. A. P. Jones. I took his 
 mail to him which spoiled our visit. However, he 
 started home with me, but his wagon tire came off 
 which detained us a while. He lodged over night 
 with me and we finished our interrupted visit. 
 
 August 25. At Georgetown. The Methodists are 
 having a meeting. Bros. Patterson and Prett's 
 both deny that they had agreed to take life mem- 
 berships in the society so did not pay me anything. 
 Learned but little as all seemed very glum and 
 reserved. We shall see what we shall see. 
 
 August 27. Continued at home all day inquiring 
 for money for a month to give me time to collect 
 what is due me and to meet my promises. Harry 
 took Hershey Jones home, sick. 
 
122 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 August 28. Preparing to go to the annual meet- 
 ing. Dist. No. 1. Borrowed of Mr. Dagget $75. for 
 sixty days at 10%. Paid Washburn $40. and kept 
 $35 for Curry at the Point. 
 
 August 29. Started to the Point. Camelia, my 
 wife wants me to get itch ointment of Dr. Mofr* ett. 
 Prusigo Lotion. Got the above medicine and payed 
 for it, 50cts per bottle. Saw a letter from Exley of 
 the most bitter and slanderous nature against the 
 church at Bethel and myself. He, having no mem- 
 bership, any where, I shall have to let it pass and 
 consider him an irresponsible man and not recog- 
 nize him as a brother. 
 
 August 31. Went to the meeting house. None 
 came but Bro. Barstow and Sister Young. Bro. 
 Noble was with me and we left and went to his 
 house. Eeturned to the meeting house again at 4. 
 A few were there but none from a distance. I 
 preached a short discourse and had prayer with 
 them. 
 
 September 1. Preached at 11 there being no 
 other preacher, and still no brethren from a dis- 
 tance. Had, however, an auditory. George Lieur- 
 ance with others, decided that Exley ought to be 
 required to give satisfaction for his letter. 
 
THE DIARY OP A CIRCUIT RIDER 123 
 
 September 2. E. Noble and several girls who are 
 to go to school in the other district, rode home 
 with me. George also hauled a load out. We got 
 home at y 2 after 3. 
 
 September 3. Agreed to let Silas and Mary 
 lodge at my house until they can make other ar- 
 rangements. 
 
 September 5. Went on via. Avoca and crossed 
 the river at E. City, Ferriage 40cts. Saw Bro. 
 Basye on the way to Lone Eock. He had not got 
 the draft from Coates but I found it in the P. 0. 
 It had got there in time. Ascertained that the 
 church at Eichland Center would pay $200, for 
 preaching. 
 
 September 6. Took Ed's buggy as mine was be- 
 ing fixed and went to West Lima. Saw Bro. Gray 
 and took dinner and fed my mare with him. 
 Learned from him that the brethren would only 
 pay $150. for preaching. 
 
 September 7. Saw a large number of the citizens 
 at the store. Circulated an appointment for 
 preaching this evening. Tolerable turnout. 
 
 September 8. Appointed to preach again tomor- 
 row, at candle lighting. 
 
124 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 Septembee 9. Eeceived of Bro. Marshall $1., of 
 Bro. Poorman $1., of Bro. Jourdan $1., of Sister 
 Jourdan a nice pair of stockings for my wife and 
 bought a pair for myself, $1. Lodged at Bro. De- 
 Hart's. 
 
 September 10. Stopt at Viroqua for getting my 
 picture taken. Bro. Nichols is to start on the stage 
 for the cars for Chicago, tomorrow. I went to 
 Busk's and found them uneasy, thinking I was 
 not coming and prepared to be very disappointed 
 if I did not come. Lodged there. 
 
 September 11. I solemnized the marriage of Mr. 
 M. Nichols and Miss Hettie Rusk at y 2 after 6. 
 Eeceived of Mr. Nichols $15. and of the brides 
 father, $5. 
 
 September 12. Stayed in Viroqua all day. De- 
 termined not to have meeting until Saturday on 
 account of concert singing and secret society meet- 
 ing. 
 
 September 15. Went to Brookeville. There was 
 one confession at the meeting, Sister Williamson. 
 Br. Anderson immersed her as I was indisposed. 
 I returned to Viroqua and preached again. Had 
 only tolerable hearing. 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 125 
 
 September 17. Saw and conversed with Bros. 
 Priest, Dawson and others in Viroqua on the sub- 
 ject of the proper effort to save the cause in Viro- 
 qua. I got hold of some of Spurgeon's sermons 
 and read four of them before bed time. Some 
 pretty good things in them. 
 
 September 18. Raining a perfect down pour. I 
 occupy my time reading more of Spurgeon. A few 
 came to the meeting and I spoke on general Chris- 
 tian principles. 
 
 September 19. Eoads very bad and nights very 
 dark. Went to the school house and Bro. Anderson 
 spoke. I was considerably embarrased. I followed 
 with additional remarks. 
 
 September 21. Constituted a church of ten mem- 
 bers. Six sisters and four brethren. 
 
 September 23. Bro. Anderson will ride out with 
 me to Cherry Grove School House for meeting to- 
 night. 
 
 September 25. Arrived at Bro. Drake's in good 
 season for meeting but have strong indication of 
 the return of my old trouble. 
 
 September 26. Remained in bed all day at Bro. 
 
126 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 Drake's with the Flux. Could not leave the house 
 to go to meeting. Got somewhat better by night. 
 
 September 27. Still at Bro. Drake's. I will keep 
 still and quiet and may be able to go to meeting at 
 night. Did go. 
 
 September 28. Not so well today. Bros. Russell 
 and Hopkins came to see me and we had a consul- 
 tation on the discipline necessary in the congrega- 
 tion at Sugar Grove. 
 
 September 30. Called at Bro. Smith's on my 
 way to Mill Creek and his children gave me a do- 
 nation of 75cts. 
 
 October 3. This was the first day of the Fair at 
 Richland Center. Saw a large number of the citi- 
 zens and learned that the Bovee School can not be 
 used for meetings any more. Got a letter from 
 Camelia written the 12 ult. All were well as when 
 I left. 
 
 October 7. Wrote home and sent $10. to my wife. 
 The weather turned very cold and I was obliged 
 to lay out $1.25 for some warm drawers for my- 
 self. 
 
 October 12. After reading until 10, went to the 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 127 
 
 meeting house and but four persons came. Did 
 not speak but returned to Bro. DeHart's and read 
 a book entitled "The Titles of Christ. " Pretty 
 good style but much erroneous matter. 
 
 October 15. Arranged to have a picture sent to 
 Viroqua. Went to the P. 0. but got no letters from 
 any person or any point. 
 
 October 17. Home via. Sextonville. Crossed the 
 river at E. City and got to Fessenden's in good 
 season. Took supper at W. Fessenden's and 
 lodged at his father's. He promised to pay me 
 week after next. 
 
 October 19. Went to Georgetown and saw Bro. 
 Carnes about renting my place and moving to 
 Richland Center. 
 
 October 20. Saw Bro. Barstow at Lima. He is 
 married again. 
 
 October 24. Called at Bro. Glazier's to inquire 
 about a school for my son Harry to teach. 
 
 October 25. Saw John Brown about a school. 
 Got some encouragement that he could get one at 
 tolerable pay, $40 per month. This would be for 
 three months. 
 
128 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 October 27. Preached at Sextonville and was 
 solicited to return and preach by quite a number. 
 
 October 28. Got the offer of the Bovee School 
 for Harry. 
 
 October 30. Heard Cobb speak at night. Pretty 
 good thing as to matter, but poor manner, as usual. 
 
 November 3. Suffering very much with my back 
 so sent for Bro. Babb to immerse the two candi- 
 dates. Received of Sister Passmore $2. for preach- 
 ing and $1 to get a book. Got the certain promise 
 of $100 of Bro. Marshall until about Christmas. 
 
 November 6. Started home to move my family. 
 Isaac Snyder and James Basye went with me with 
 their teams. Took dinner at Parmley's tavern. 
 Paid $1.40 ferriage at the river. 
 
 November 7. Sold my place to 0. Jones for 
 $1300. Settled with most of those my family had 
 dealt with and gave Harry $20. Paid to J. Jones 
 $10. for the use of his cow. 
 
 November 8. Moving to Richland Center. All 
 lodged at the tavern. Paid $5., $1., and $2.25. 
 
 November 9. Started on. Ferried at R. City. 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 129 
 
 Paid $2.50. Arrived at Ed's and found all things 
 brought safe. Concluded to winter in the house 
 with my son-in-law Dr. Fessenden. Got 66 lbs of 
 pork of James Snyder. 
 
 November 11. Fixed up some and attended the 
 S. S. Institute at all sessions. Found considerable 
 jealousy against me but some effort to conceal it. 
 
 November 12. Attended the sessions and had 
 proof of the fears against me. Spoken of by sev- 
 eral and noticed by many. Shall say nothing but 
 shall expose the whole thing at the proper time 
 and place. 
 
 November 13. Still at Center, fixing to return to 
 my old home and settle all business with all par- 
 ties. 
 
 November 15. Started to Platteville and took 
 dinner at Parmley's. Fed my mare and then stopt 
 at the German Methodist's. He was not at home 
 but his wife lodged me for the night. 
 
 November 16. In Platteville. Went to Bro. 
 Carnes to get a bond for deed to 0. C. Jones. Will 
 have to stay over until Monday to get bond. 
 
 November 18. Got a bond for deed to Bro. Jones. 
 
130 
 
 THE DIARY OP A CIRCUIT RIDE] 
 
 Keceived of him $230. down on my propertv h 
 Platteyxlle and his note for $300. and he ifto na 
 Bro. carnes $770. the first of April next Lodge 
 with Harry at Mrs. Moffett's. ^oagec 
 
 Harry fSef'to ^l m mis ™derstanding, 
 iiarry tailed to obtain his certificate to teach. 
 
 1ZTT S" Harry Sti11 Ilas n «t got his certi 
 fieate. Dr. Fessenden did not get home Quite * 
 few were after his services. Quite a kss. Q 
 
 November 30. Read a new paper < ' The Pulpit ' > 
 ooo k C s a I £lir. SUbSCriberS f ° r « * « * — 
 
 December 2. Went up to the store with Mr 
 Gregory Saw quite a number who had come to 
 trade and remained to visit. Bro. H. Delia', 
 me for my wife, a nice dress pattern ~ 
 
THE DIARY OP A CIRCUIT RIDER 131 
 
 December 5. Think arrangements can be made 
 to hold meetings in the court house. 
 
 December 6. Saw Mr. Wright. He seems to want 
 to saddle all the apparent opposition to me in re- 
 ligious matters onto Mr. Reed. Mrs. Wright gave 
 me a donation party in the evening. 
 
 December 7. My reading today, is not as profit- 
 able as usual on account of pain. 
 
 December 8. Went to hear Mr. Wright in the 
 court house. His effort was rather a singular one. 
 He invited me into the stand with him. 
 
 December 9. Got 10 bu. of corn, 60cts per bu. 
 Bro. Snyder and wife visited with us until bed 
 time. He will fetch me pork next Wednesday. 
 
 December 10. Went to see Mr. Laws about the 
 lamps in the court house. Found Mr. D. Pease 
 there. Had a conversation with him. He is a zeal- 
 ous fanatic. Learned the lamps belonged to the 
 Baptists and they had taken them away so there 
 are no lights for meeting. 
 
 December 11. R. Norman and M. C. Stewart 
 were joined in holy wed-lock by me at 1 o'clock. 
 
132 THE, DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 December 12. At home reading on the subject 
 of the Christian evidences. Quite a number of 
 authors were examined. 
 
 December 15. Preached in the court house at 11. 
 Small audience on account of snow storm. Went, 
 in the evening to hear Mr. Walker. Was disap- 
 pointed as Mr. Reed did the preaching. A very 
 poor effort. 
 
 December 18. The house was too cold for com- 
 fort at the service. Lodged at Bro. Coulter's. 
 
 December 19. Found the shoes on my cutter 
 were almost off. Bro. Merrill cut his ankle very 
 bad. They sent for me before meeting. I had Dr. 
 Sabin sent for, who came and dressed the cut, 
 with sticking plaster and putting on sugar and 
 camphor. 
 
 December 20. Bro. Merrill's neighbors all came 
 with their teams and hauled him a fine lot of wood. 
 
 December 21. Greatest snow storm up to this 
 date. 
 
 December 22. The brethren took up a collection 
 for me at meeting, $5.10. 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 133 
 
 December 23. The friends talked some about em- 
 ploying some one to preach. I agreed to come, to- 
 morrow night with a paper that all who wished 
 might subscribe for that purpose. 
 
 December 24. Stopt at Bro. Merrill's for my 
 Bible. Sister Pamelia rode with me. A few pres- 
 ent, subscribed $40 for preaching. 
 
 December 26. Preached at 7 to a good turnout. 
 $50. more was pledged for preaching and but few 
 friends have been seen as yet. They will continue 
 the effort to raise funds. 
 
 December 29. Concluded to have no meetings 
 for two weeks on account of the bad roads. 
 
 December 30. Spent most of the day reading 
 "Primitive Piety,' ' by Fisk. Mr. A. Eastlancc and 
 his wife visited at my house until bed time. Bad 
 from him a great amount of humbuggery. 
 
1868 
 
 January 1. Preached at the Garfield School 
 house. 
 
 January 4. Went up to the store visiting. 
 Preached at night. Bro. Gregory and wife and 
 Newton B. Boldon from Mt. Tabor were in the 
 audience. 
 
 January 5. Audience could not all get into the 
 house this morning. Lodged at Br. Poorman's. 
 
 January 7. Went to Bro. Marshall and paid him 
 $101.33y 2 . Received of him $6.33y 2 for preaching. 
 Borrowed of Henry DeHart $20. 
 
 January 10. Went to the court house to hear a 
 lecture by what proved to be a professional Spir- 
 itualist. 
 
136 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 January 11. Went to hear the Phrenologist and 
 Spiritualist. Got nothing new from him. All, I had 
 either heard or read before, and seen refuted 
 many times, but most of the audience seemed to 
 drink it down as truth and a sweet morsel. When 
 will the people learn to reason for themselves? 
 
 Januaky 12. Very cold. The strange lecturer oc- 
 cupies the house tonight. Subject, "Religion, Not 
 Christian Religion." I intend going. Went to the 
 lecture and the house was full. It proved to be just 
 what I expected, an infidel thing and rather a poor 
 thing even of that kind. 
 
 January 13. Saw quite a number of the citizens 
 on the street from whom I learned the general 
 impression made by the lecture. 
 
 January 17. Went to a majic performance and 
 paid for Harry, Ed, Henrietta and myself, $1. 
 
 January 18. Eeceived of Mr. Teaddle. 12 lbs. of 
 butter, 25cts a lb. Got 200 lbs. of meal and a peck 
 of beans of James Mark. 
 
 January 20. Moved into the Lewis Jones house. 
 I hauled quite a portion of the goods myself, in 
 the cutter. Bro. Jones hauled some of my goods 
 after first fetching me a nice load of wood. 
 
THEI DIARY OP A CIRCUIT RIDER 137 
 
 January 21. Confined to the house with a lame 
 back. Ed. gave me a plaster which Camelia ap- 
 plied. 
 
 January 23. Got out of the house with great dif- 
 ficulty. Got $10. of Downs until next Thursday. 
 
 January 24. Bro. E. Davis brought me a sack of 
 white flour. 
 
 January 25. J. Brown brought me some butter 
 oats, turnips and some fine cabbages. 
 
 January 29. Brother Miner t lodged with me and 
 I took him 3 miles beyond Ithaca on the road to 
 Loyd. 
 
 January 30. Borrowed $25. of Mr. Laws to be 
 paid next Sat. two weeks. Stayed over night with 
 D. Householder. I did not pay him anything on the 
 debt in favor of Sister Jane Marshall, as they did 
 not demand it. I think that an effort to unite the 
 brethren on Fancy Creek with the Spring Valley 
 friends is the only show of promise in this section. 
 Shall try it. 
 
 January 31. Am not well. Have indications of 
 Eresipelus on hip and ankle. Preached at night 
 despite my ill health. 
 
138 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 February 4. Saw Elder Marks at the store but 
 he seemed disinclined to talk so I did not press 
 him. 
 
 February 7. Learned that there is to be a show 
 tonight by Mr. Sands, the renowned Magician and 
 Ventriloquist. Did not go myself but Harry did 
 and I may go tomorrow night. 
 
 February 8. At home all day trying to collect 
 some money. Went to the show at night, where 
 they promised to give the same physical mani- 
 festations obtained in Spiritual circles. vYas hum- 
 bugged, in that they made no effort in that direc- 
 tion. 
 
 February 9. Very cold and side walks not broke 
 so ladies could not get to meeting house on foot. 
 
 February 10. Appears to me to be the coldest 
 morning of the year. Going up to town I ascer- 
 tained that the mercury was frozen in all the 
 thermometers and no spirit thermometers in town, 
 so we could not tell how cold it is. 
 
 February 11. Preached the funeral of old Mr. 
 Sandlin and went to hear a temperance lecture by 
 Mr. Goss. 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 139 
 
 February 12. Saw the temperance lecturer on 
 the street, who was on his way to Ithaca. 
 
 February 18. Saw Sister Babb at the Twaddles 
 and learned that my remarks on "The Mourner's 
 Bench" did not please some of the hearers. 
 
 February 20. Saw James Jourdan at Bro. Coul- 
 ter's. He says Mr. Gault filled Marks appointment 
 at Lima, denouncing baptism until after the can- 
 didate gets religion and that there was no water 
 used on the day of Pentecost. The brethren in- 
 formed me that they only wanted me to preach 
 out half of what they had subscribed, $71 or $72. 
 
 February 21. Home via Horse Creek. Very 
 rough roads and snow gone in many places. 
 
 February 26. Again, I was disgusted with many 
 things at Mr. Wright's meeting. Little children 
 arose at the invitation and having received no in- 
 struction, were left to strive for abstract power to 
 make them feel and believe. I was called upon 
 after the meeting ought to have closed, for an 
 exhortation. Made a few general remarks but 
 would have liked to have told them what to do. 
 Went to the P. 0. and to the Artists but got noth- 
 ing at either place. Bought a box of throat 
 Troches. 
 
140 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 March 1. Solemnized matrimony in the case of 
 W. Heal and Miss Burt. $3. 
 
 March 4-7. At home reading. 
 
 March 12. Went into town and saw and had 
 conversation with W. Eeed. He seemed to be re- 
 lenting on account of what he has done against 
 me. 
 
 March 13. Started to Spring Valley and Fancy 
 Creek to hold meetings. Camelia was with me. 
 Good turn out at the meeting, considering the bad 
 roads and that there was no moon. 
 
 March 17. Sent around word for preaching at 
 the school near J. Clarke's. Had dinner at House- 
 holder's. They had some sugar so they sugared off 
 some. Larger turnout at the meeting than we ex- 
 pected, but some boys were very ill behaved. Shall 
 have to make an example of them if they persist. 
 
 March 18. One addition, today, who had be- 
 longed to the United Brethren. Stormed all night. 
 A great fall of snow. 
 
 March 19. Snow wet and full a foot deep and 
 sugar water running. 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 141 
 
 March 23. Called at several places inquiring 
 about the strife between the Baptists and Method- 
 ists. Found it gratifying to some in the commun- 
 ity, but tending to strengthen infidelity. 
 
 March 25. Saw Bro. Snyder. He wants the mon- 
 ey for his daughter, next week. Mr. Reed preached 
 at 8. It was a very dry and weak effort. 
 
 March 26. Attended Mr. Walker's meeting at 
 night with my wife. Rather tame and mild in its 
 effects. 
 
 March 27. Ascertained Mr. McKee's little girl 
 is dead. Promised funeral for tomorrow. 
 
 March 28. McKee child's funeral at 10. Went to 
 Mr. Walker's meeting at night, Tuttle and Wright 
 were there. I was invited into the stand, but only 
 out of courtesy. No liberties granted. 
 
 March 29. I preached at the Ross School House. 
 A Dunkard or German American Baptist was 
 there and I heard that he expected to preach him- 
 self. Wm. Tuttle and wife called at my house in 
 the evening and we had conversation on the design 
 of baptism. He thinks he was born again before he 
 was baptized ; pardoned and saved, before. 
 
142 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 March 30. Borrowed of D. J. Brimer, $25, as an 
 accommodation. Paid to Thomas Snyder, for his 
 daughter Martha, $26. in full for services. 
 
 March 31. Got 5% lbs of white sugar 86%cts. 
 Saw Martha Davis and she said her father said 
 to credit him with $4 and he would pay her. 
 
 April, 6. Preached at the Kidd School House. 
 
 April 7. Got home in good time to vote. Bor- 
 rowed of H. Breese $15. for four weeks. Saw Mr. 
 French who wants me to buy his house. He asks 
 $250. but I declined buying for the present. 
 
 April 8. Learned how the election went. Elder 
 Tuttle was only elected by the narrow margin of 
 5 votes. 
 
 April 12. Went to the Court House to Mr. 
 Wright's meeting. Only a tolerable audience. His 
 effort was quite a dry thing; no point to it and 
 very poorly read. His Melodeon was the most 
 pleasing thing with the hearers. 
 
 April 13. Court did not set. The Judge did not 
 come. 
 
 April 14. The Judge came and court com- 
 
THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 143 
 
 menced. The Mineral Point murder case started. 
 Saw Drs. Vivian and Dalton and quite a few other 
 acquaintances from Mineral Point. Learned from 
 Dr. Dalton that Levi Noble is still dangerously 
 sick, but better. 
 
 April 15. Verdict in the murder case. Not guilty. 
 
 April 16. In court listening to the election case 
 in the town of Bloom. Thrown out of court on ac- 
 count of defects in bill. 
 
 ArRiL 17. Still attending the court with interest. 
 Gave my wif e $2, today. 
 
 April 18. Quite unwell. Overdid, yesterday. 
 
 April 21. The book Campbell's " Lectures and 
 Addresses'' came today. 
 
 April 23. Went to see the new steam mill. It 
 works well. 
 
 April 26. Large crowd at meeting. None but 
 ladies could get into the S. H. There were more 
 men out side than there were ladies inside. 
 
 April 28. Went to W. T. Armstrongs via. S. 
 Turnispeed's and visited until after dinner. 
 
144 THE DIARY OF A CIRCUIT RIDER 
 
 Learning that there were several log-rollings, con- 
 cluded to go no further to look after a place to 
 baptize. 
 
 April 30. Got my mare and buggy and went to 
 Joseph Householder's. Saw quite a number there 
 as they were having a log-rolling and quilting -bee. 
 
 May 1. Went up to J. W. Clarke's for my over- 
 alls and boots to baptize in. Immersed Lester 
 Turnispeed at 3. Received into fellowship, Sister 
 Lizzie Springs and Samuel Turnispeed and Avife. 
 They took up a collection and I received $1.75. 
 
 May 2. Bro. W. D. S. Eoss wants his money as 
 soon as I can get it. I must make the effort. 
 
 May 5. Borrowed of Bowen till the first of June, 
 $25. Paid to W. D. S. Eoss $25. 
 
 May 7. I go to the Kidd schoolhouse at 3. At- 
 tendance kept down on account of fears of whoop- 
 ing cough. 
 
 May 11. Went to Moses Marshall's. He gave me 
 $5 for preaching, 19 lbs of sugar and some yarn. 
 I lodged at Bro. D. Householder's. Am very un- 
 well, having strong indication of lung fever. 6 
 
Notes 
 
 1. Page 28. "Copperheads" was a name applied to Democrats 
 in the northern states who violently opposed the prosecution 
 of the war. They were not in sympathy with the South but 
 held that the attempt to coerce the seceding states was hope- 
 less and illegal. 
 
 2. Page 58. Benjamin Howe and David James Howe were 
 two sons of Henry Howe. 
 
 3. Page 69. Nothing can be found which will explain the 
 "Waupun trouble" so frequently mentioned in these diaries. 
 
 4. Page 99. The tenure of office bill and the bill to arrange 
 the southern states into military districts were passed over the 
 veto of the president. 
 
 5. Page 111. Henry Howe's third wife, the editor's paternal 
 grandmother, must have been a generous soul as her two 
 daughters were named Henrietta and Eliza, for the first and 
 second wives of Henry Howe. 
 
 6. Page 144. This is the last entry ever made in a diary by 
 Henry Howe. He died of Pneumonia two weeks following this 
 date. 
 
Thus endeth the second work of The Voyageur 
 Press of Minneapolis, whose ideals include the 
 combination of fine printing ivith the publishing 
 of historical material relating to Minnesota and 
 environs. However, because of present economic 
 stress, no fine, limited edition of The Diary of a 
 Circuit Rider has been produced. Five hundred 
 copies of this trade edition have been com- 
 pleted and placed on sale this month of 
 August, nineteen hundred thirty-three.